Enter our website quiz/competition!
Our 1st Anniversary Competition is now online, the prize draw will be held later on in about a month (Jan '02).

For postal reasons and simply to keep people's lives easy, we'll sort out the winners in the New Year. The closing date for applicants and the prize draw date will be announced both here and on the competition page when a specific date has been decided upon.

Many thanks to Matt Lutynski (aka Sniper) Tom Andrews of Elite Action Games, Jono of PhoenixAirsoft, AirsoftDynamics and WolfArmouries for their generous prize donations.

PDL Fragmention Effect Grenade review: Well what more could you ask for, we're still eating Christmas turkey here but still had some spare time to polish off another review.

You may remember that a few weeks ago we took these new grenades out to a skirmish for a bit of testing. Well as they seemed so popular, and to answer more than a few questions that we've been asked via email, we've now written the full review for you.

Are you looking for the ultimate BB pyro? Well this PDL version has left little room for improvement, read on to see what we thought. Have a Happy New Year folks!

Custom shotty hi-cap: The custom TM shotty hi-cap mag is something that most shotgunners should be familiar with. Dragon1 was kind enough to send in this project which we've put up for your perusal. If you've got a TM shotty, then this is one project you should read up on.

"...You have a Tokyo Marui Benelli M3 or a SPAS-12. You love your shotgun...You got your ass whooped by AEGs because they have a couple hundred more rounds than you. You have to worry about reloading those cute little shells in the field while being shot at, seeing as how you only have ten shots. You have to count your shots every time you shoot at AOL CDs in the house, to avoid dry-firing. (Use #102 for those pesky AOl cd's - Ed) There is a solution - a hi-capacity shotgun shell"

New in-house LTH review: Well we originally brought you the news of the Large Tactical Handgrip (LTH) from Guarder, and now we're proud to bring you our in house review of the LTH. In our opinion this is the best replacement large foregrip that we've seen for the MP5 and G3 series, read on to see why:

"...Now I for one have been found wandering a skirmish site with a 8.4V 2000mAh NiCad taped to the underside of the standard grip on an MC51, but there are better alternatives, and much as I love 'gaffer tape' and it's myriad of uses, the sticky goo it leaves on everything it's stuck to is slightly more than annoying to clean off.

This is where the Large Tactical Handguard (LTH) from Guarder comes in. Not only is it functional and tidy (carefully and tidily boxed to boot), but it has some added bonuses too..."

This is an ongoing review, and will (like many of the articles on this website) be continuously updated with news and information about this product as we play with it. The LTH from Guarder receives a true Arnie's Airsoft thumbs up, and we can't recommend it highly enough.

Smokey's Gunworks M4/16 Flip-up Front Site: Here's Darren-Jon Ashmore (aka Nautilus) latest aquisition for his personal Armalite beat, the SGW Flip-up Front Sight, being the nice and generous bloke that he is DJ has written another pocket review for you lucky readers:

"...How can you make the best gun in Japan better? Well according to young Fred by giving it a front sight, and, before you can say "Conceited Bloomin Yorkshireman" here we have the old Smokey's flip up sight.

I always wanted to retain a totally tactically purposeful feel to my Knight's - to keep it in line with the gun it is based on - and that had initially called for the removal of the old triangular front sight to mount the silencer. However, trial and error has shown that relying on the back up iron sights on the ACOG copy is a pretty second rate way of aiming in the closer game. So, having bitten the bullet and decided to fit a front sight I was presented with only a few options..."

New BB types: We had a few emails regarding the Airsoft fragmentation effect grenade made by Pensieri Di Leonardo. As of yet we don't know of any dealers stocking them in either the US or the UK, but you can contact the manufacturers personally, as they do speak English. We'd recommend sending them an email if you get the chance.

We've also managed to get hold of a small movie, that shows these 'effect grenades' in use. You can find the movie to download on our website here.

If you're a dealer that's planning on stocking these items please do let us know.

Airsoft propellant to be banned in Europe? Olle M. Hansen of www.sart.subnet.dk has email in with news that the largest environmental organisation in Denmark has started moves to ban the HFC gas that we all use for Airsoft because of its threat to the environment:

"...In their press info they state that 3000 shots from a gas-airsoftgun polutes just as much as a trip in a car from Denmark to Milano in Italy! The debate is indeed on the subject of airsoft because it is a easy target, which people and politicians can easily be turned upon, because it deals with weapons and the subject of war, which in these times are very unpopular..."

You can find the press article here: http://www.dn.dk/sw1267.asp (it's in Danish though)

Airsoft Armouries news: Jon of AirsoftArmouries has emailed in new and improved lowered prices on their products.

Highlights include £150 for the TM MP5k, £165 for a TM FA-MAS, and £195 for the Maruzen APS2 SV. In general AEG prices now range in price from £150 to £230.

All their replica prices are now reduced and Jon mentioned that this isn't an offer, and that these prices which will stay like this for as long as AirsoftArmouries is open. If you want prices on anything do send Jon an email.

ForceDolphin back online: After some downtime relating to the server that the team website was running from going down, Herman (aka DolphiNCommand) has moved the team website pages to a new URL and location.

You can now find ForceDolphin at www.airsoftdolphins.net - so go ahead and update those bookmarks. A lot of the site members here are on the DolphiN team, so it's normally worth a look if only to see what we look like in the flesh.

Intrudershop updates: Richard Chou of IntruderShop has sent in a couple of bits of news. IntruderShop are currently upgrading the bandwidth of their website, and because of some technical wierdness the website (and their associated email systems) will be offline until this is complete. Don't worry, our loveable Airsoft custom parts brigade aren't going anywhere.

IntruderShop also has a bit of a news update and have received the first lot (10 pcs) of TOP FN M249 SAW several days ago.

IntruderShop believe there is still some space for improvement with the TOP M249 and have therefore decided to produce several enhanced and improved custom parts for this baby. So keep an eye out for the M249 UUP from Guarder hitting the shelves in the near future.

Beta Spetsnaz update: DolphinCommand has been doing a bit of reading about the new AEG from TM, and sent in this highly readable news article:

"Many people have wondered what the reasoning behind the release of the Tokyo Marui Beta Spetsnaz has been. Why an AK of all things? At least it wasn't an Armalite, but is there going to be a call for a "modern" Kalashnikov, after all, the AKS and AK47 mainly sells on the fact (in Japan) that it was in the Vietnam Conflict. But for the year 2001.. what gives?

Well, I think I've got a fair idea. With the stunning release of 'Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty' on the Sony Playstation 2, It all becomes clear!

In the game, Mr Unshaven himself, Solid Snake, comes up against a large amount of what look like Russian Special Forces. Dusting off his Mk23, and scrabbling around for another FA-MAS clip, we find that the Spetsnaz guys are toting a rather familiar weapon - the AK74 Spetsnaz!

Okay, so its not exactly the same as the Tokyo Marui one, but have a look for your self here on these screen shots! (notice some of the rifles have the side folding stock)

Note that Tokyo Marui is actually Konami's 'Weapon'consultant, and apparently appears in the credit sequence! Other credits include Silent Scope 1 and 2! Where do you think Konami got all those PSG's from? :D

From the looks of these pictures I would predict that a side folding stock and a MGS russian style Silencer will be released as accessories for the Beta Spetsnaz, if not by Tokyo Marui, then by our friends in Taiwan."

Also of interest, and rather apt for this specific news update, Hustler of Team 2 Sexy has reviewed his new Beta-Spetsnaz, so go on and checkout his review of this formidable release from TM.

New KG9 NBB review: You remember that great KG9 review that Taeko sent in? Well Ash has produced this glorious review of his custom NBB version to accompany it. Check the review for more info, specifically why TM replicas and Hop-Up AEG's aren't the 'bee-all and end-all' of the skirmishing Airsoft products out there.

"...That’s right, one of the 'airsoft throwbacks'. One of those 'obsolete' weapons that the Tokyo Marui-ites want you to forget about. Well knackers to that, because this thing is every bit as good as, and in terms of build better than anything TM produce today.

The model in this review is my personal skirmisher which is equipped with an extended barrel and a folding stock, and is now the only KG9 in my collection, having let the KG-9 GBB go to a better home where it’s not used for shooting cockroaches..."

Beta-Spetsnaz pre-review: DJ's sent in this great pocket-review of the new (well okay, rereleased) TM Beta Spetsnaz. Featuring a new and improved mag, better sights and a new 20mm lower rail, TM have put some thought into this sucker.

Now you just have to ask yourself one question... what do you fit to the 20mm rail? (The 40mm pistol grenade mount comes to mind).

"...As one might expect with the barrel being a good deal shorter than the standard AK, she's not as accurate. On the 10m range she was putting in average groups of 7", compared to the full barrel AK's average 4". The sights also do leave a little to be desired in construction, as well as being wee bit awkward to adjust - but are clear enough in use and do give the spine of the gun a nice aesthetic flash..."

News and 4thGen CA MP5's from Wolf: Lee has sent in some more news direct from Wolf. If you have any queries over it, please do ring them for more info:

Wolf Armouries Tel: +44 (0) 870 7549653 Fax:+44 (0) 845 4588311
Showroom: 203 Royal College Street, Camden Town, London NW1 0SG

Sadly there's still no word on the release date for the CA M4A1, CA will not say if it will even be out by Christmas now. (I checked with them yesterday, and CA said it won't be out until after Christmas - Arnie)

Wolf now have the 4th generation version of their MP5's and SD's in, featuring small improvements all round. CA have tightened up those little cosmetic details, strengthened the folding stocks, increased the rate of fire slightly and included the new poly carbonate pump.

Two big points for CA fans out there - they now come with new mags that work (woo hoo!!) and the old style handgrip now has the selector markings coloured up in red and white, not a huge task to do, but a great improvement.

The best part is, they are cheeper as well their prices as of today are: MP5 A3 £364.99 | MP5 A2 £349.99 | SD3 £349.99 | SD5 £339.99

Wolf now have most of the CA accesories in as well, to many to mention but pretty much everything that is on CA's website. They'll have the new Marui Taclauncher within the next week. In the same shippment they'll also have the AK47 b 'Spetz', Maruzen MP5K and 50 rnd mags and tons more.

As we know the l atest news from KSC is that they are about to release the Glock 26......... why? Apparently they want to tap into the Marui market more but one thing is for sure, they will be cheeper, stay tuned.

Current new kit and prices: KSC G19 £109.99 | KSC-KWA G18c £99.99 | KSC-KWA M11 £109.99 (just sold out yesterday, more due in before xmas) | KJW Glock 27 metal frame £159.99 .

New TM MP5k review: Yup we love the TM MP5k so much that we've added another review of it, Richard Horgan (aka Horgy) was kind enough to send in a new review, so we've added it to the collection.

It's well worth a read, and it's always nice to read more than one opinion about a product:

"...The first thing you think when you hear 'MP5K' is short barrel. This SHOULD mean it's inaccurate, however, for some reason, its as accurate as an Mp5a5, or a similar sized AEG. Why? Marui magic pixie dust is all I can think of. You can hit a man sized target at 40 meters without much difficulty, and if you have the hop set up correctly, you can get people at as far as 50 meters!"

WGC fake email: There appears to be a rather 'dodgy' email arriving in a few people's inboxes that appears to have originated from WGC's Shop. Having looked at several copies that we've been sent it looks to be some sort of hoax. We can't enlarge on the details of the specific emails yet until we get personal confirmation from WGC themselves.

If you have received any dubious emails from WGC we strongly urge you to check the message's origins and originality and to think carefully before reacting.

Gremlin G3k complete! Anyone that's read the projects section may recognise this idea. We've been desparate to build such an item for ages, but haven't had the time to get hold of some of the component parts (yet). Well AndyR has had the time, energy and the effort to design and build his own version of this gorgeous replica (seen to the right).

Checkout GremlinGunworx for the latest on his newest published project, including some gorgeous photos and truly ingenius bodging. You can find more about it on the GunWorx 'How-To' page, and the G3k page. Our own (updated) G3k/MC51K project can be found here.

AirsoftCanada technical difficulties: Eric (aka Primus) has been having a few 'issues' with his ISPs so you may find that you can't access your favourite Canadian website (and their forums) at the moment. Well fear not - everthing is in hand, and repairs are underway. Here's the latest from Meta of the 'ASC forums team':

"...As most of you noticed, the board was down for some time over the weekend. This was due to the ISP switching it's servers. This was uncontrollable and it took longer than expected.

Now we are back up, but with a related problem. You can access all the forums, you can read all the forums, but you can not reply. You will recieve an error saying "211 an Error has occured.. can not find _____.txt" Be assured we are working on this problem, and it will hopefully be corrected soon. Please hold tight, and we will notify you by email when the system is back to normal! :) ..."

WA SVF6: Our apologies folks. It looks like in the drama of all the updates recently we've overlooked the new WA SVF6. Mindz_I aka Rob Larson was kind enough to email in an give us a good boot up the old backside. :)

Yeah it's another Western Arms (WA) 1911 hi-cap copy, but it looks to be the best of the SVF series yet.

This new release is due out in December 15th for around 24,000Yen. The model is listed to have the blowback power of the SVF5, with the speed of the SVF3.9. The weight is 1100g, and the ammo capacity is listed as 30 (a standard double stack SV series mag).

As usual you can expect all the usual trimmings, R-Type valves, variable hop, Magna blowback and the ability to take the longer and higher capacity 52 round mags.

We just have to ask one question.. given that they've 'perfected' the Beretta (with the WA Beretta 'prefect edition'), and have just about finished the 1911 line of products - what manufacturered pistol series will WA jump onto next? Answers on a postcard. (Please not more Glocks.. no... - Ed)

WGC Shop updates: Some quick news from WGC - (WGC's Shop) that Leo has emailed over. WGC have prepared some super valve items for the lucky draw during the Christmas Promotions, the details have now been released - including the latest Christmas offers from them:

Grand Lucky Draw of X'mas & New Year ( Dec 3, 2001 to Jan 3, 2002 ) Grand Prix TOP M249 FN MINIMI.

From now until January 3, 2002, any customer who purchases from our shop will have a chance to join in the Grand Lucky Draw (Results announced on January 5, 2002). It has three seperate levels:

1. Any purchase from the store enters level one contest.
2. Any purchase over USD 300** enters both level one and level two contest.
3. Any purchase over USD 600** enters all three levels of the contest.
   (** Shipping charges not included.)

Level 3

• 1 Top M249 USD1133

Level 2

• 1 ICS MP5A2 USD232
• 1 ICS MP5SD2 USD238
• 1 Classic Army M4A1 USD208
• 1 Marui AK Beita Spetsnaz USD205

Level 1

• 1 Maruzen MP5K USD145
• 1 Marui RC Battle Tank M1A2 Abrams USD145
• 1 Marui RC Battle Tank M1A2 Abrams ( Camouflaqe Colour ) USD145
• 3 KSC G19 USD95
• 30 Cash Coupons ( USD20 )
• 100 Cash Coupons ( USD10 )

X'mas Special Offer ( Now till 18 Dec, 2001 ) - ICS Full Metal MP5 Series w / Extra Marui 50 Rds Magazines & Tactical Sling. Tokyo Marui P90 X'mas Package USD280

Marui AK Beita Spetsnaz, Accept Pre-Order Now USD228 ( Release Dec 10, 2001 )
Classic Army M4 Series Delayed Released Date to 20 Dec, 2001
Guarder Enhanced Firing Pin for Western Arms .45 Series USD9
Guarder Enhanced Recoil Spring Guide for WA .45 Series USD24
Guarder Part No.205 for WesternArms SV Series USD10
Guarder MP5 Quick-Detachable Silencer USD84
KSC Ingram Silencer Cover USD16.5
Taiwan Metal Slide for Marui Tactical Master USD75
Guarder AK-47S Wood Kit USD100
Guarder AK-47 Wood Kit USD150
Marui MP5K 28 Rds Magazine In Stock Again

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at WGC :-)

TokyoHobby news: Miki of TokyoHobby has sent over some news concerning Tokyo Marui's leaving of the ASGK.

"...Tokyo Marui and some other companies that want to quit ASGK are planning to establish another organization similar to ASGK. It is probable that this will even futher deteriorate relations between manufacturers in Japan..."

http://www.tokyohobby.net
Advanced Quality & Technology
Airsoft guns and accessories at world's lowest prices

Miami -Airsoft- Vice #2: A big thanks go to our lovable 'softing gurus out there:Mike 'Stinger' Montesa and Kenny Troya aka 888, who have emailed in to tell us that the replica is the poster put up yesterday made by MGC is the Ruger Black Panther. Also of note to a few folks out there, Stinger pointed out that MGC still has a shop in Shinjuku, but they sadly no longer make anything of their own - it's just the one retail shop now.

TokyoHobby news: It's been a bit since Miki of TokyoHobby has sent over some news for printing here in the news section, but here's the latest from him, and as you can see it looks like it was worth waiting for. Firstly there's two bits of general shop news, and then we have their Christmas sale offers which should be interesting for anyone looking for a bargain or for the latest TM release. Here's what Miki had to say:

"...Japan new update: There was a disagreement in Japan's airsoft gun manufacturers assocation ASGK involving reputedly current lawsuits between member companies and as a result Tokyo Marui quit the organization which will come in effect on next March. This might not affect customers situation in Japan and overseas, but some aftershock is expected to follow. (More details to follow)

B-B export update: We have moved our wholesale export to Tokyo based trading company who is authorized export agent for number of manufacturers. Please contact us to be informed from their new export program. Companies and interested inviduals are invited to submit form at http://www.tokyohobby.net/dealers.html or contact by e-mail at miki.nakamura@tokyohobby.net..."

Christmas sale! - Limited quantity available

TM Tactical Launcher (New Release) 11,760 JPY / 96 USD

15pcs TM Knight's SR-16 M4 25,870 JPY. Now 33,000 JPY including EMS shipping
(188 GBB / 267 USD / 1.776 FIM / 2.859 SEK / 299 EURO)

10pcs TM M4A1 RIS 25,870 JPY. Now 33,000 JPY including EMS shipping
(188 GBB / 267 USD / 1.776 FIM / 2.859 SEK / 299 EURO)

16pcs SV, 8pcs OR Maruzen APS-2 OR / SV 23,860 JPY. Now 29,000 JPY including EMS shipping.
(165 GBB / 235 USD / 1.560 FIM / 2.513 SEK / 262 EURO)

KSC New HardKick TMP 16,800 JPY. Now 19,500 JPY including EMS shipping.
(111 GBB / 158 USD / 1.049 FIM / 1.689 SEK / 177 EURO)

TM AK-B Spetsnaz (New Release on the 6/12/01) 20,860 JPY / 169 USD
- Reservations accepted to sales.tokyohobby@tokyohobby.net -

Offers valid till 1/1/2002 or as long as stocks last.
(Shipping has been calculated to Europe)

http://www.tokyohobby.net
Advanced Quality & Technology
Airsoft guns and accessories at world's lowest prices

Miami -Airsoft- Vice? It's no big secret that we're working on a bunch of new articles, and in our research for one of them, Matt Lutynski (aka Sniper) sent in this gorgeous poster (seen to the right). The poster is from back in 1988 and it had both of us hugely amused.

I really hope that people don't have to be reminded which certain 80's series it might have been inspired from. You get extra points for emailing in and telling us what MGC replica rifle "Det. James 'Sonny' Crockett'" is holding in this image.

This poster is dedicated to one of our site members (who shall remain nameless), who's generally not having a great time at the moment. You know who you are. :o)

Anyway "..stay cool bubba!".

Airsoft Players interview: Pikachoad has added a new interview to AirsoftPlayers that you'll hopefully find to be interesting and entertaining. I really hope so 'cos it's written by yours truly. :)

Please do head on over and have a read, but do remember that it's written from a UK perspective. Hey it should be worth a look if only to have a look at the piccies (especially of Herman aka DolphiN#1). Please feel free to post your comments over at our forums, or at Pikachoad's forums here.

Band of Brothers: Did everyone in the UK see the last episode of Band of Brothers on BBC last night? (You lucky guys in the US got to see it on HBO a few weeks ago) For anyone that hasn't seen it, Band of Brothers is a series about Easy Company (2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment) who parachuted in behind enemy lines, into a region northwest of Carentan. The dramatisation of the history of Easy Company re-creates some of the most critical moments of WWII and tells the stories behind the commanders and regular soldiers.

After the episode finished I had a look online to see if we can buy it on DVD or VHS yet, and sadly it seems that it will only be out in late 2002. Which is a bit of a pain to be honest, you can buy the original book though. If anyone's got a spare copy on VHS that they taped off the telly it'd be much appreciated. :) (I'm living in hope I know)

I would highly recommend checking out the DreamWorks FanSite for BoB, and the official HBO website.