AirsoftClan updates: AirsoftClan are having another special offer (thanks to Steve for sending them in).

This time you can get the KWA G19 (the KSC Taiwan Version) for 93USD including shipping to the US, and 96USD including shipping to the UK. To take them up on this offer, drop them an email (webmaster@airsoftclan.com).

There have also been several product updates at AirsoftClan. These include:

• Colt S.A.A .45 Nickel & Gold 154USD
• Colt S.A.A .45 Nickel & Black 154USD
• Colt Anaconda 44 MAGNUM MAXI 6 inch (Heavy Weight) 102USD
• Sturm Ruger Midnight Blue 44 Mugnum 9.5 inch 173USD
• First Factory Front Rail Attachment ( 14mm Clockwise ) 60USD
• G&P Flash Light Mount For RIS System 45USD
• TM MP5 RAS 258USD
• S&W M29 .44 Magnum 6.5inch Midnight Blue 153USD
• OPS High Accuracy Suppressor 8 inch 192USD
• OPS High Accuracy Suppressor 10inch 192USD
• Targets Futtobi 12USD
• FNC FlashHider 66USD

AirsoftClub custom M14: AirsoftClub have added a fuller article explaining how their recent custom M14 was made, and what to expect. Basically the rifle is based on the Hudson non functional replica has a 10.5V 3000mAh Li-Ion battery custom carved into the stock, a custom AK47 gearbox mounted in it, custom hop-up unit and a PSG1 barrel mounted into it. All in all is sounds like a corking piece of kit. You can read the full article from AirsoftClub here.

They have also updated their website with a short article covering the Factory 308 SVD Dragunov (gas powered). Made by the people that make the real thing, this is as close as you can get in authenticity in terms of an SVD replica anywhere.

Systema piston issues? I have just received this email from AirSoftZone.dk, I'd just like to add that I have also heard several reports of problems with Systema springs getting stuck inside the same new Systema pistons. Read the full quote below to see what's up:

"...Urgent!!! To all corners of the Airsoftgun community! We seem to have discovered a serious error in Systema's production of red lightweight airsoftgun pistons. The fault is present in every red piston we have examined, both in Full Tune-up Kits and individual spare part pistons in Denmark and Hong Kong. The spacing between the teeth in the "tooth-row" is exactly the same, save for the space between the "metal-tooth" and the closest polycarbon-tooth. The two teeth mentioned are spaced slightly wider than the rest of the teeth. This results in a miss-fit between the piston and the sector-gear and serious mechanical stress. The effects are fatal to the sector-gear and we have already had several breakdowns. We discovered it by chance and the fault is not easy to find. We have already recalled all the "surviving" softguns modified by us in Denmark, and replaced the faulty piston (and gears if needed) with an old-style black polycarbon piston.

We STRONGLY suggest you look into the problem as soon as possible! Please mail us back as soon as possible. Both to indicate that you have received our mail, and to let us know what you have found out in the matter. We wish to clarify whether this problem is present only in some or all of the pistons.

We hope this mail reaches everyone, both retailers and individuals, in the airsoftgun community.

Many regards on behalf of CustomGuns.dk...

Kaare Jensen (owner of shop and chief mechanic) and
Jacob Skov Larsen (translator and secondary mechanic)
CustomGuns.dk
info@customguns.dk
In cooperation with AirSoftZone Denmark"

Maruzen Vz 61 GBB due out soon: First Factory are taking pre-orders for Maruzen's new Vz61, which by all accounts is due out later next month.

The internals of this replica are the same as the GBB MP5k so will be HFC134a only. Mag capacity is listed as 30 rounds, total length 275/530mm, and a weight of 900g.

On TOP's page you'll also notice that the TM MK23 NBB is up for pre-order, but no release date is given, the new TM INOX M92f is however slated for an August 8th release so we might see it then (hopefully).

WA ParaOrdnance Pro-Killer out for release: WA are releasing the next varient of the ParaOrdnance. Basically they've replaced the 14.45's sear with an internal version, stuck a longer barrel silencer on it and bundled a hi-cap mag with it. Release date is set for the August the 15th.

Points of note are that there are two versions, the 'combat' and 'limited' editions (you can find the exact differences on this page, and that it is a non-hopup varient. The original WA P14.45 could by all accounts take redgas 'out the box', so it looks likely that this new version will too. That said, I really wouldn't like to be on the receiving end of it when it's firing. Thanks go out to RobLarson (aka Mindz_I) for the friendly nudge regarding this release.

UN Company updates: UN Company have updated their stock lists with a few new items. These include:

-UN Custom-WA Para Ordnance P14.45 Black Full Metal Version
-UN Custom-KJ G27 Metal Version-Thread
-UN Custom-KSC G19 Metal Version
-UN Custom-KSC G26 Metal Version
-UN Custom-KSC SP2340 Metal Version
-Shooters Design Red Dot Sight
-WA Para Ordnance Pro Killer Coming soon------15 August 2002

New review online: I've uploaded a great review of KSC's P230JP GBB pistol written by review by Sam Rosen (wesnstubby@excite.com / member of the MAA). Do checkout the full review - here's a small quote from it:

"...Everybody first reaction when they see my gun is: “Oh Cool the PPK.” but in actuality its a Sig P230 JP. When I first saw this gun it was on a Japanese web site that had all the KSC Sig Pistols next to each other. I had no Idea what It was called but I noticed that it was different than the normal P230 that KSC made.

After a little investigating I found out it was the “P230 JP” having no idea how to get it I emailed Guges at Olympus Airsoft (www.gh-u.com) and within a week or so he had one for me at a great price..."

Also in from Wargamer's Shop is this piece of news:

"Recently, the US Custom are being check the parcels more frequently and seriously, so we suggest all our US customers to choose using putty for their airsoft guns' trademark removal.

When you already having an order which choose Trademark Removal by using tape, if you want to change to use putty, please contact us by e-mail."

As Pikachoad mentioned over at AirsoftNetwork, this is very likely to apply to all imports into the US, not just those from Wargamer's Shop.

MkV Sten's available! The Smokey's MKV Sten kit is somewhat of a rare piece, so when I spotted it on CombatClub's website I thought I'd mention it here.

The Smokey's kit requires the guts of a TM AK47, plenty of skill to assemble, and isn't cheap (800USD for the parts), but it's a very very nice collectors piece. You can read Darren's great review of it here.

AirsoftClub updates2: AirsoftClub have been busy since yesterday and are updating their webpages at the moment. Included in the updates is news that I'm sure will be popular with a lot of you out there. AirsoftClub have come up with a gorgeous project that is much requested (at least in my email box), a functional M14 built by Mr Tim Chan himself.

Closer inspection of the rifle photos show it to be a fully functional AEG. Price isn't listed yet, but I'd guess it to be fairly high considering the amount and quality of the work involved.

BH Omega tacvest review: James Elliott (aka Walking Target) sent in a review of one his latest purchases, the BlackHawk Omega Tactical Vest: Cross-Draw. BlackHawk gear is widely rated around the world, so be sure to read the full review to see why (it includes plenty of high-res photos for you all ^_^)

"...The Omega Tactical Vest: Cross Draw was originally designed for team leaders, according to BlackHawks website. Three of the magazine pouches on the right hand side of the vest have been replaced with a quick-draw pistol holster. I am sick and tired of holsters. I have tried two or three of them, all good ones, and I have never been comfortable with them. I find that they are constantly trying to pull my trousers down and they flap about when they are on my thigh. So I loved the idea of having my sidearm on my chest..."

Please note: As I am running short of time, I haven't linked this new review on the main reviews page yet. I'll change that in the next set of site updates (probalby tomorrow).

Other points of interest that I haven't mentioned on their website before are the works of their custom softingsmiths.

Mr Tim Chan makes both long and short arms. Included in these masterpieces are some great rifles and pieces of kit. You can find all of these here. Do beware these custom items are all built to order, and hence have waiting times (of up to 2 months), its to be expected, but do just take note. The Barrett originally built by Mr Wing comes in at 3274.00USD, which sure isn't cheap.

Mr.Loi is an electric gearbox guru, who's pride peice of work involded fitting an AK47 gearbox to an M249, thus improving longevity and performance. If you check his page at AirsoftClub you'll notice some rather nice pieces, including an MP5k that caught my eye. What made this one special is that it was obviously once a ClassicArmy MP5, thus giving you a full metal MP5k.

Other points of interest on the AirsoftClub website include news of an SVD Dragunov coming soon (based on the G&P full metal/wood gbb version - thanks to Gregor Gruber for filling me in on the technical details), and the rather nice M4 CQB RAS on their front page built by Mr Tim Chan. Just a boring M4 ? Nah.. this one has night vision fitted to it! ^_^

There's also a rather ambiguous statement on the M4 CQB page relating to Mr Chan's own production facility: "..not that TokyoMarui is not involved in this project".

CombatClub updates: CombatClub (http://www.combatclub.net) are a new retailer based in HK, and Dany (of CombatClub) has been kind enought to email in their latest updates. They've just taken delivery of 120 pieces of the new TM MP5 RAS, and they retail them at 250USD each.

CombatClub are the web based front end for a large shop by the name of 'ArmedForces' based at Shop 23-B G/F, Yan On Building, I Kwong Wa Street, Kowloon, HongKong.

"We, the Armed Forced, are one of the best airsoft shops in Hong Kong. We were founded in the year of 1989. We have several skirmish facility in Hong Kong and the mainland China. We have more than 6000 members in HK who usually join our campains. We are well known by the airsoft players in the South-East China.

According to our aboard customers’ request, we decided to provide a new convenient method for shopping expierence. So we build this website to satisfy our customers. We provide full lines of airsoft products, from stock weapon to custom parts, from all kinds of accessories to combat gear.

Being one of the best airsoft in HongKong, we have direct links to the Japanese airsoft factory. Our customers can get the latest products faster than other online shops. Our customer can be sure that once the order is confirm, the shipment will be arrange in 24 hours. We also have experienced gunsmith to satisfy customers specific request."

TeamGAS updates: Sam (aka Comega) has been kind enough to send in the latest word from their team website (TeamGAS): Their website has been lovingly reworked, and there's a new subsite dedicated to the SWAT 'Big Game' that took place on the 28th-30th June.

"...Just wondering if you could let your readers know about the redesign on the teamgas website (http://www.teamgas.com) thats been done, now incorporating some actual skirmish pictures and some new images, including the SWAT Big Game Gallery and sub-site at http://www.teamgas.com/EUSF..."

SAC Updates: SAC's website has been updated with over 30 new pictures, and they have also written an article about their last event.

There's apparently more to follow, so keep those eyes peeled folks.

RedWolf updates: Whilst we are on the MP5 RAS issue, it's worth mentioning the new bundle of products that RedWolf have in stock:

• Just Sling Mount for M4 / XM177
• Blade Holographic Red Dot Scope
• Top M249 Auto Winding Box Mag
• Accordian Style BB Bottle
• Expanded Combat Gear Section
• GP RAS Kit For MP5 A4 / A5 & MC51

Note the new MP5 RAS kit from GP. The new kit will allow you to make your own MP5 RAS. As you can see the kit is basically a RAS grip, two RAS 'protectors', a reinforced outer barrel and a vertical foregrip. Retail price is 120USD, which is quite a bargain considering the parts that you get (the similar MosquitoMoulds RAS/RIS grips could previously only be afforded by those with a kidney to auction).

"Convert your existing MP5 A4 or A5 into a RAS version with this RAS front foregrip kit. This deluxe version comes with a 3 sided all-metal RIS rail, 2 rail protectors, one metal outer barrel to add extra rigidity, and a vertical foregrip. Knights armament engravings on rail on vertical fore-grip. A beautiful accessory for existing MP5 owners..."

Also of note is the GP RAS Kit for MC51 or HK51, which is basically the same kit as the MP5, but for the short G3 series from TM.

"Convert your MC51 or HK51 into a RAS version with this RAS front foregrip kit. This kit comes with a 3 sided all-metal RIS rail, 2 rail protectors, one metal barrel retainer ring to add extra rigidity, and a vertical foregrip. Knights armament engravings on rail on vertical fore-grip. A beautiful tactical accessory for MC51 and HK51 owners..."

MadAboutAirsoft competition: MadAboutAirsoft have dropped us an email about their latest news and updates. So what's new with MAA? Well they are giving away a KSC M11A1 with silencer in their new competition. To enter all you have to do is give them your email address (the link is on their front page) and in return they'll send you their lovely newsletter.

To be honest I got rather distracted refreshing their homepage, to view the 'random pictures' at the bottom of their page (something to do with simple things and simple minds I gather..) now where was I? Oh yes.. go and sign up now for your chance to win. ^_^

TM G36C picture from Arms: Arms Magazine August 2002 features a photo of the poster/photo that TM had up on their stall at the last show (as mentioned by Stinger in his latest fabulous RisingSun news article).

Jonathan (merci encore!) has been really great to scan it and send it in to us for publication. There's no details as yet, all we know is that we'll see it "..sometime in early 2003".

You can click on the inset image (to the right) for a larger version of the scanned image. Please note - I've altered the image to the right, so that it's at the correct angle honest - it's a real photo! ^_^

Do please take note that TM's poster contains an image of the real steel, but it does give us some idea of what TM are aiming for.

Swedish week#2 Magnus and Tommy, have both very kindly emailed in to let you all know about the latest article up at AOS. If you are a SIG owner, and are having problems upgrading because you've got nowhere to fit a larger battery, then you'll love this article.

"...I removed all the original connectors to the burst circuit and the fuse (if the gun don't sound right, common sense tells you to stop firing, right?). It is a tight fit, but it all goes in there. Where did I use the file? On the battery rail in the front, to get the wire from the top cells down to the ones in the grip.

And what can you do with a 1500 Mah 9.6V battery? You can do what I did and upgrade your gun to an M120 spring..."

Sopley updates: AirsoftClub.co.uk (the official website for Sopley - my local urban site) have published their next set of game dates. Please do check http://www.airsoftclub.co.uk for more info.

• Sunday 28th July 2002 ( Space limited, please call to confirm )
• Sunday 11th August 2002 ( Space limited, please call to confirm )
• Sunday 25th August 2002 ( Space limited, please call to confirm )
• Sunday 8th September 2002 ( Space limited, please call to confirm )
• Sunday 29th September 2002 ( Space limited, please call to confirm )

In other updates from the guys at Sopley there are a few more changes happening now, and proposed for the future, here's the latest from them:

"...Whoever come [recently], check out the new pictures on the Website of the gameplay, whoever did not come, check out what you missed ;-) If anyone of you has a website, some friends of Sopley have made some banners, please feel free to choose one to link to us, if your site is Airsoft related, I shall do the same.

There are some major changes happening at Sopley, more details will follow, but basically we are now a Club rather than an open site, so it will be more and more for regulars, you will need your own insurance and shortly, we will be forming an official tactical Sopley team.

Remember, to come to Sopley you must call and book with Jay 01425 674525, leave him a message with your number, as you will need his confirmation to come down. This is due to the limited numbers we can have in CQB Urban games..."

The MP5-RAS has all the features that we mentioned in the original news post some weeks back, including the reinforced cocking tube. From the translation it seems that have fitted a strengthening piece of metal pipe down the inside of the cocking tube to help prevent breakages and flex at the front end. Let's not forget that it also comes with TM's latest reddot sight, and low scope mount (bolted to the receiver in 4 places). With a list price of 38,800 Yen, (213 UKP / 332 USD) it's not to be sniffed at.

Swedish week? Mats Tufvesson (aka Marsupilami) of Seriemördarna, has emailed in (cheers Mats) to tell us know about their updated movie section. You can find the new video under 'filmer'. The films are quite large so really not for your average guy (or gal) with a 56k modem. Here's what Mats had to say:

"...Just wanted to let you know that a new video is up at Seriemördarna´s web site, check under "filmer". Come to think of it, I think there are seven or eight new videos since our last announcement on your site. We have a new address as well: www.seriemordarna.tk..."

New retailer review: James Liao has been kind enough to send in a review of the HK retailer UN Company (Thanks James). I've added the review to our ongoing set of Airsoft retail reviews.

"...As I live in Hong Kong, I have not had to buy Airsoft guns online (yup, pretty darn lucky). However, most of the time I make my purchases at the "UN Company" or as they are better known here, "UN Co.". After seeing their online website, I felt the need to try to try to tell the Airsoft community that the UN Company is probably one of the most reliable, courteous airsoft shops I know in Hong Kong. There are over a dozen or so airsoft shops all over Hong Kong, and somehow I always make an effort to get to the UN Company Store. Here is why..."

Arnie's merchandise updates! I thought I should set the record straight about the new online store as I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea. CafePress (the company that host it) are the only company I know that will setup a store for you online and process all the orders for free. All we have to do is design all the logos and upload them.

There are two thoughts in my mind over running the store. I can either:

• Set the prices as low as they go, that way we make no money at all from any sale.
• Or we can set the prices 2-5USD higher, and collect the profits into a website kitty. The proceeds go towards buying a replica or piece of equipment of your choice (yes all you folks get to vote ^_^ ) which we will review here. When the review is over, we'll either sell the replica on to recoup the cash (back into the kitty), or run a competition and give it away.

So what do you all think? Please let me know in our forums here. Your feedback is very valuable to us. As a side note, the baseball cap is on offer at the moment, as CafePress have decided to sell them for 3USD cheaper. Not wanting other people to tread where I haven't, I've just ordered some t-shirts, mugs and a cap myself. ^_^

Flecktarn.co.uk updates: Jo over at Flecktarn.co.uk has been kind enough to send in their latest updates. For those of you that don't know Flecktarn.co.uk is an innovative website that deals primarily with 'flecktarn' patterned equipment (and related sundries), and also with other patterned clothing (such as DPM) and 'softing gear.

Flecktarn.co.uk is run with the kind of passion and forethought that can only come from people who really enjoy and believe in their work (and it shows). Anyway here's what Jo had to say:

"...We've update the webpage with lots of new pictures, a new style product overview selection page and new products! Now, you can click on the detail pages and get a few large pictures showing different views and features of all of our products so you know exactly what a product should come with. Our new products include:

Danish M84 uniform (complete - £220)
German desert flecktarn uniform (complete - £90)
Used DPM PLCE Ammo Pouch (£7.50)
BB grenades from EG (£3)
Cork grenades from PDL (£3)
12 hour light sticks (bargain price of £1.50)
German cutlery set (£3.50)
German canteen/mini mess tin (£3.50)
US MREs (£6.00)..."

New UK retailer: AirsoftKit are a new 'kid on the block' in the UK Airsoft retailer biz (please note that their website is currently running a temporary design). As things stand they look to be a promising UK Airsoft outlet for they have a wide range of accessories and equipment available to their potential customers. You can contact AirsoftKit for quotes through the UKAN forums, or via email. Check their website for more info:

"Airsoft Kit is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. We seek out the cheapest kit we can find and bring it to you. We offer cheap upgrades, a wide range of guns, parts and accessories and will try and fulfill any request you have for the best prices..."

Operation IronAngel photos: Marc Esposito (aka Recon) and his team went to Operation Iron Angel, and were kind enough to send in the photos that they took for publication here. They "brought up a deuce and a half, an M37, and a blazer" that were used in the event.

I've added the photos to our photos section, under the section headed 'events'. Be sure to check out the photos, it sure is a welcome break to see photos of skirmishes fought under such a clear and cloudless sky. ^_^

Arnie's merchandise launches! It's an idea that I've had for a bit, and it seemed only right to carry the idea through. So after a fair amount of image work on my part you can now purchase all kinds of items, including T-shirts, coffee mugs, even bigger coffee mugs, and mouse mats. If you're interested in 'Arnie' products, please do checkout the new online store.

Please note that any proceeds don't go towards my secret holiday fund (I wish they did. Arnie'sAirsoft can neither confirm nor deny that any secret holiday fund does or does not exist ^_^ ). We make a small amount from each sale and these proceeds all go towards the website kitty.

The goods are shipped from the US, so naturally take a little longer to reach UK addresses. If you would like to submit work to go on any products please do let me know. We are also open to comedy suggestions for quotes that may go on the back of T-shirts etc. (e.g. "I'll B Back"). Basically to put it the BurgerKing way.. "you want it your way... you got it". As ever you can submit any feedback you like to our forums here.

The latest from Wolf: Max at Wolf has sent in some updates (thanks Max), including stock that has just arrived. This should be a relief for all of you that have been asking Wolf for the new SWAT gear. Please do note that their website is out of date (a new version is in the works), if you want the latest gear it's best to contact Wolf via either Tel: 0870 7549653 or Fax: 0845 4588311. Anyway here's what Max had to say:

"...Finally after an earthquake in Taiwan lots of other delays we have got a re-stock of the SWAT Systems rifle cases, tactical holsters and swat vests. A lot of people have been asking about them for the last two months due to the news article that you posted on your site (Thanks!) and we would just like to let them all know they are finally back in stock. The items and prices are as follows

WGC Updates: Wargamer's (WGC) have added some more updates to their website. Of note here are the new 'Just Helmets' that include replicas from such films as 'BlackHawk Down', the new JT helmet is erm.. intersting, and the new Guarder MOD vest is well worth looking into. Anyway enough ranting from me, here's the latest from WGC themselves:

• Just M16A2 Barrel Fixed
• Guarder Scope Mount Base for M40A1 ( 1-Piece Type )
• Guarder Scope Mount Base for M40A1 ( 2-Piece Type )
• G&G GM3 Tactical Illumintor
• Guarder M4A1 Fore Handguard Set
• First Factory - 2 Ways Quick Holder
• PDI Zero Chamber Block for M4A1
• G&P Heat Sink Grip End for M16 Series
• Just Helmets
• Guarder Modular Operation / Duty M.O.D. Tactical Vest
• JT NForcer Single Black
• G&G Bi-Level Rail for M16A1 / A2
• Sanyo 9.6V 1500mAh AK Type ( Fit AK Metal Front Set )
• Sanyo 8.4V 1700mAh AK Type ( Fit AK Metal Front Set )
• Sanyo 12V 1100mAh U Type Battery for M4 One Piece Type Barrel

Let the updates begin! It's amazing but true, yes folks there is life outside of an internet connection - and for the past 10 days I've been on a mission to find it. As regular readers will know I've been awaiting the activation of our new data connection here. The good news is that it's now all running so I can get back to some regular news updates, and upload some of the articles and reviews that we've been sent.

My apologies if you've sent me an email and I haven't replied, but with over 500 emails to read through and reply to it's going to take me a few hours to sift through them all and write replies. Watch this space for more updates and news tonight

More G36C news: News has come in from two separate sources (Miki at TokyoHobby, and Mike at AirsoftClan) regarding a possible release of an electric G36C from TokyoMarui.

Both sources have said that we are going to see a TM G36C around the end of this year, more specifically the date has been provisionally set to January 2003. Time to start saving those pennies folks!

As ever this information means very little until we hear something official from TM themselves.

UN Company updates: UN Company have updated their stock lists with a few new items. These include:

-Classic Army Full Metal M4A1
-Classic Army Full Metal M4 Tactical
-Arms Magazine of August
-Combat Magazine of Auguest
-Guarder Stainless Steel OUTER BARREL for WA .45 Series
-Guarder Stainless Steel Chamber WA .45 Series
-Guarder M40A1 Scope Mount

Latest from the SniperHide: Lee (aka 6mmGuru) has emailed in some info about the latest game he attended, and as usual you can find his brilliant write up (with pictures) online. Here's what Lee had to say:

"...I played a game @ SAC recently that was one of my best ever. Check it out @ www.geocities.com/guru6mm/2jun1 on my AIRSOFT SNIPER HIDE (SAC FANZINE).