Moscart reloadtool: So you've got a moscart grenade? - If so then you'll appreciate how useful this tool is. If not let me tell you what happens when you buy a moscart grenade.

They're beautiful, they're gorgeous, and they are the best BB 'grenade' you can get. For some reason or other you'll decide that it's a great idea to see how they work, and unthread the two halves to have a look inside. 99% of the time, this will be either (a) at home at 2AM, or (b) at a Sunday skirmish amid lunch. You'll undo the two halves of the moscart, and this is when the 8 teeny tiny steel ball bearings fall out, a spring goes ping and dissappears over your left shoulder and a heap of parts liberally spread themselves across the floor. Sounds like I'm talking from experiance here doesn't it (mumble mutter...)? ^_^

This is where the new tool comes in, and it doesn't just perform one job. What it does is:

• Allow you to correctly preset the valve
• Get all the ballbearings back into the valve assembly (this is almost impossible without magic pixie dust or the above tool)
• prepack the BBs into the shell

Price is set to around 1200Yen (6UKP/10USD), and there are two versions available, one for the 8mm or 6mm hopup moscart, and one for the 8mm non-hop, and the shower grenade. If you plan on buying a new CAW moscart, get one of these too! Check the CAW webpage for a diagram of how the tool works.

BlackHawk S.O.L.A.G. gloves review: Charlie Omega, just dropped me an email to say that he's just finished a review for the new gloves that he bought from ExtremeProcurement. The best tactical gloves out there? Read on to find out:

"...Upon opening, 2 pairs of solag gloves (one full finger, one half finger) from the guys at Extreme Procurement I ordered way back in the murky depths of time. So we rip open our parcel all excitedly and try the shiny new glovesies on!

What can I say? C-O-M-F-Y. And just looking at them you can tell these things are built to last. Construction is of the usual Blackhawk standard i.e. it just cannot be faulted and the gloves just oooooze 'mean looks' big thumbs up in both departments.

Also worth a mention is the fact that the gloves have not one, but two velcro fastening tabs, there's the usual one which is on the wrist and the other is on the back of the palm. You can wear these however you feel comfortable..."

WGC Updates: Wargamer's (WGC) have sent in some more updates, including news of some not so new items that are back in stock. For those of you who have been desperate for an M1 Carbine - here's your chance, as WGC now have them in stock. Of note here are the new replica body armour, both copied from the film Black Hawk Down. Here's the latest:

• Marushin M1 Carbine MAX I ( SSB-GAS ) In Stock Again
• Marui M4A1 Limited Supply
• Marui M4RIS In Stock Again
• PT Delta Force Armor with USA Patch USD130
• OGW Ranger Body Armor ( Black Hawk Down Movie Ver. ) USD145
• Eagle Force Gear Remover for Gun Motor USD41
• Freedom Art P90 Magazine Holder USD38
• K2 30 x 175mm Silencer ( 14mmP & N ) USD50
• PGC Durable Loading Muzzle for WA 92F Series USD22
• Mil Force Water Bottle Pouch USD9
• Angs M249 Cylinder Set USD103

More TQP news: You remember the news we posted about the G36 M134, and the PDW by Q-Project, well the Belgium Airsoft Association has posted some more news about it (thanks to Dave for letting me know). The following was posted by one of the people involved in the project:

"...I'm one of the designer/manufacturers of the PDW and the G36. To clarify the release made by TQP. The G36 is NOT a mp5k conversion. Rather it uses an mp5 lower similar to the real steal version and standard marui version 2 internals. The PDW also is NOT an M11 conversion either. It utilizes the same compact-type internals with KSC parts. Both will have have the durability all airsoft players come to expect from their guns.

As for the concern which was raised with the construction being of resin. The matter which the body is cast in is actually a polymer type resin. It has a tinsilary strength of 550psi, far beyond the injection plastic we are acustomed to by other companies. The PDW will be available at this time exclusively through the Q Project and the G36 will be available at many of your favorite retailers. Both guns are designed and manufactured by TEK ARMS and distributed through TQP and Steel Hawk. TEK ARMS has brought you products such as the MK23 LAM Unit, the Blade M11, Time Cop pistol, and the fully functioning airsoft Pulse Rifle. These two products will infact be entirely new guns, not conversion kits and will be available with competitive pricing...."

Army2002: We don't tend to deal with items of a 'real' military nature, but if your near Salisbury Plain (in the UK) between the 3rd and 7th of July, the military are planning on using up some surplus ammunition, and your all invited! What you ask? - well they are staging the first live fire exercise open to the public (thanks to Marc Newell for letting me know). Having been to a private exercise myself I can highly recommend the event, just take some ear defenders! Here's the full blurb:

"...The thump of fire from a battery of heavy artillery, the ground-shaking thunder of a troop of main battle tanks, firing on the move, the roar of aircraft in the attack. Ever wondered what they sound like? Are you curious to see live shells impacting a target area, infantry assaulting from armoured vehicles, air strikes from jet fighters and attack helicopters firing real missiles? If so – Army 2002 is for you!

You will be witness to the only live Army firepower demonstration staged for the public. Get up close and personal to everything the Army has to offer including: Apache Attack Helicopters, Challenger Tanks, Warrior Armoured Vehicles, Guns of the Artillery, Parachutists, Chinook Helicopters, Hercules Transport Planes and Jet Fighters.

Army 2002 offers a massive array of entertainment which guarantees a marvellous family day out for all ages. The Army Adventure Centre provides the excitement of confidence courses, paintball ranges, climbing walls, and competitions to challenge the bold-hearted...." (source Army 2002)

MadAboutAirsoft updates: MadAboutAirsoft have some bits of news, which we thought we'd mention here:

"... We received a number of requests for the new Marui P90TR, so we now have it ourselves. We are selling a P90TR pack which consists of:

Marui P90TR rifle
8.4v Small 600mAh battery
1x 68rd standard magazine
2x 300rd hicap magazines
All for £290.00 including next-day delivery.

MadAboutAirsoft are offering discounts on sets of the MultiCom Pro radios ideal for airsoft teams. More information on the website. Since we have been selling the MultiCom Pro radio sets we have had people asking for a tactics/radio reference, we have been pointing them to http://www.practicalairsoft.co.uk/ for further reference (click the radios and tactics link to the left)...."

One interesting article that we've come across is this article hosted by RFMan, that covers 'How to justify buying a new radio' , including such humorous reasoning as 'I'll get one eventually, so why not now?'. ^_^

ExtremeProcurement updates: Simon at ExtremeProcurement has been kind enough to send in some more photos of some more BLOK safety gear that they are looking into. These prototypes are for the knee elbow and chest armour. If you play CQB on a skirmish site where broken glass is a possibility, the knee pads are a real must. AS usual click on any of the piccies below for a larger version.

So what do you think about the BLOK armour? Please post your comments about it in our forums here, and we can forward your ideas and comments onto the 'powers that be'.

If you couldn't guess from the new photo the the 'mini-launcher' is basically finished, and the release date is still set for the first third of June.

The launcher is designed to fit onto any 20mm rail, so will be at home on the TM P90, TM AK Beta-S, or the SR16. In CAW's own words "..fit it where you like and it'll fire your MOSCART". Handily the launcher comes with two 20mm rails on either side - which would be just perfect for fitting another mini launcher to... CAW recommend that you fit it to their own RAS system (well they would wouldn't they?). The design is such that you can reload the launcher whilst the MP5 has a mag loaded.

ExtremeProcurement updates: Simon at ExtremeProcurement asked us to mention that they now have a new stock of 1/2 gloves, drop bags, and vests in (all in black). It's also worth pointing out that ExtremeProcurement's delivery/order times have now improved drastically.

AirsoftClan updates: There are some new items in stock at AirsoftClan at the moment (thanks to Steve for sending them in). Here's the latest items from them. The new Guarder pouches are (like all Guarder products) top notch. Of worth note is the new Marushin Ruger varient, and the new folding stock for the M4 by Right. Here's the prices:

• Right - Fold Up Stock for XM177 / M4 - 85 USD
• Ruger Assassins Sliencer Model - 123USD
• Guarder Tactical CQB Butt Pack ( O/D ) - 28USD
• Guarder Police Utility Pouch (big) - 20USD
• Guarder Police Utility Pouch (small) - 17USD

American memorial day: I was reminded today by Erik that it's American Memorial Day today. Due to a lack of websites relevant to this day I thought the two best places to point peoples attention would be the CNN news website (and the story they are currently running), and to two relevant charaties, namely the Salvation Army and the RedCross. (image to the left copyright CNN/TimewarnerAOL).

It's not strictly Airsoft related, but it's worth taking the time to remember the people that put their lives on the line now, in the past, and those that have lost theirs, in the name of freedom.

Not wanting to leave the news page on such a somber note, you can always cheer yourself up reading this story about Bush's visit to Paris yesterday. ^_^

AirsoftClan updates: There are some new offers on at AirsoftClan at the moment (thanks to Steve for sending them in). Here's the latest offers from them (please note shipping to a UK address is 7USD more):

• KSC G18c $102 USD (Including Speedpost shipping)
• KWA G18c $93 USD (Including Speedpost shipping)
• KSC G18 magazine $22 USD

Flecktarn.co.uk: A new webshop by the name of Flecktarn.co.uk has been launched for everyone that enjoys everything 'flecktarney' - they also have a DPM and Airsoft section. Many thanks go out to Jo (aka BaconSandwich) for sending in the news. Here's the full release blurb from them:

Thanks,
Jo and Lenny"

WGC Updates: Wargamer's (WGC) have sent in some more updates, including news that they will be stocking the CA M16 series very shortly:

• Guarder M4 SMG & Standard Length Convertiable Reinforced Barrel - Back again soon
• Guarder M16 SMG & Standard Length Convertiable Reinforced Barrel - Coming Soon
• Classic Army M16 Series - Release on 4th June, 2002 ( Limited supply of first stock )

Q boys in the house! It's those ingenious boys James.. they've done it again!The Q Project, USA (TQP) have been relatively quiet of late, although there have been a few rumours mentioned about a minigun in the works. Well Q Project have been kind enough to send us a press release regarding some new releases on their way. So is it just a minigun? Well no actually, it's slightly more than that! You can't visit a single website around the world without someone mentioning the G36, H&K PDW or the M134 Minigun, Q Project have been listening and will shortly start production of the new HK PDW, General-electric M134 and HK G36C:

"...our company has been in network affiliation to exclusively produce and sell three highly popular airsoft desirables which have yet to infiltrate the US market on an established level of customer confidence and satisfaction. At TQP, our vision has always been development of the choicest airsoft models in both aesthetics and more importantly functionality (to be relative in airsoft with respect to its counterparts in the real steel world).

FYI: It may seem a puzzle to many forum hosting sites why TQP has never advertised on the local airsoft scene. The reason is that I have decidely chosen to first firmly establish our company's partnerships, branding, technical staff, and R&D affiliates. This next qtr, we intend to go public with the company, sort of a Pre-IPO to IPO..." Read more...

The M134 will (according to Q) have several accessories made available for it. No.. not a Knight's silencer, and definitely no beverage cup holders. ^_^ Read the full article for the full release info.

MoA updates: The Ministry Of Attack website has been updated, new reviews there include the M16VN, M4A1, TM 92F, and the KWC P226. Here's the latest from Chiff_MoA:

"...After suffering some major file corruption Ministry of attack have had to rebuild a large quantity of the website. The good news is that all of the original pages are there plus many new ones (including 5 new gun reviews, a gallery update and updates to a few of our ongoing projects)..."

New BLOCK armour: From the same people behind the innovative BLOK helmets, comes the BLOK armour and shin-pads. If you've ever been worried about the occasional fall at a skirmish site, or like me go home nursing the odd bruise after a Sunday skirmish, then these new items could be for you. Do remember that Airsoft is a non-contact sport.. the armour is not designed to aid in full scale reinactment! ^_^ The new BLOK kit is still in the design stange, as the manufacturers are interested to know the interest in such items. A big thanks go out to Simon at ExtremeProcurement and Animal at MasterChief's for sending this news in. If you are interested in these items, please contact Simon and Steve (Animal) for further information. You can click on any of the images below for some larger images. More details to follow...

Team2Sexy updates: T2S have updated their website, and Simon (aka Capt.Mainwaring ) has been kind enough to send in their updates. So what's new up at T2S?

- Addition of three new team members
- Addition of a new section "News Reels" (available via the "Intel" page) - contains some links to airsoft related movies. Only a few there at the moment but we're hoping it will grow over the coming months.
- New photo gallery "Eversley - 12th May" (available via the "Surveillance" page )which contains some pictures taken at the grand opening of Ambush Wargames' new playing site.

Latest Tokyo Marui posters: A big thanks go out to the nice anonymous fellow who dropped me these scans of the latest TM releases to me via email. The scans would appear to be from a TM catalog of some kind (images copyright their respective holders). I've now had a bit of time to look through the information regarding the new TM releases. Here's the latest info gleened from what we have available:

Latest Tokyo Marui posters: A big thanks go out to the nice anonymous fellow who dropped me these scans of the latest TM releases to me via email. The scans would appear to be from a TM catalog of some kind (images copyright their respective holders).

I'm in a rush so I'll have to update this news post later tonight, but as you can see the new TM MP5 is more than just cosmetic in features, it now encorporates a reinforced cocking tube, new muzzle, and does indeed include the red dot sight as shown. As you can also see the MK23 NBB includes a presentation case, LAM unit and functional silencer.

Shizuoka Show pictures: For more infomation about the MK23, the MP5 RAS, the M9 INOX, and the new TM reddot sights check out this page at GameSpot Japan, with information covering the 41st Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan. Also shown there are photos of a TM Sturm Ruger KP85 (the EBB model). A big thanks go out to Snyper for posting this news in. Please click any of the images below for a link to the relevant page. (source GameSpot Japan)

AirsoftNetwork updates: There's been a interesting news updates over at AirsoftNetwork. Included in the latest updates is news of the new TOP M249 electric box mag. Checkout AirsoftNetwork for the latest!

Retail price is set to 9600 Yen which is about 53 UKP or 77 USD.

AirsoftShop updates: AirsoftShop has been updated with some new stock updates. Included in these updates is their 'Summer Holiday Special Offer' which is a TM AK47 with a bag of Excel .2g BB, shipping is included in this, for a total of 250 USD. Other new releases include the following:

Western Arms Para-Ordnance P14 .45 (2 Tone)- $165
Western Arms Para-Ordnance P14 .45 (Silver) - $165
KJ Works GBB Available Now
Tokyo Marui Bioazard Samurai Edge Standard Mod - $150
Western Arms SV Railed Carry 5" - $187
Western Arms SV Railed Carry 4.3" - $183
Western Arms Beretta M92FS Body Guard - $164
Marui AK47 Beta Spetsnaz IN STOCK NOW
Maruzen M11 CQB (Limited Edition) - $168
Tokyo Marui P90 TR Silencer version - $205
AS P90 Metal Upper Receiver - $85
Tokyo Marui Knight's Type Pro Silencer - $62.5
Tokyo Marui AK47 250 rounds Hi-Cap Magazine - $35.5

Please do note that some of the above items have been at AirsoftShop for a bit, but for the sake of completeness I've listed everything, as not everyone sees everything the first time around.^_^

UK Airsoft skirmish site with toilets! (Only joking..^_^ ) MEPAL Airsoft is a new skirmish site near Ely (close to Cambridge). Their site has been playing for a while, but they felt it was time for a bit more publicity - hence this news post. So who are they and what do they have to offer?

Facilities - we have flushing toilets (not many sites do ) heated briefing rooms, tea and coffee available, BB sales, battery charging, basically all the usual stuff airsoft sites have

Asahi.. makers of fine rifle replicas, and even finer beer - no really!

"...I was born and brought up in the San Francisco Bay Area and I majored in Japanese at San Francisco State University. This was back in the late ‘80s when the Japanese economy was on top and everybody was trying to figure out how the Japanese did it. I was a history major for two years before I switched to Japanese, but the connection was there; I was studying American history and its relations with Asia. Anyway, I didn’t want to be a high school teacher (then) so I ended up studying Japanese without any real goal (but who has real goals when you’re only 22?).."

GuayGuay back! GuayGuay is back, and with some product updates! A week ago GuayGuay's website dissappeared, well it's time to update your bookmarks, as they are back at a new URL: http://www.guay2.com.

They've also launched the GM3 Tactical Illuminator (as shown below), the new lamp unit runs off a standard lithium 123A cell, and will give you 1 hour of runtime with a brightness of 10,000 'candle power' from a single battery. Retail price is set to 2500 NT (Taiwanese Dollars) which is 50UKP / 72USD.

RedWolf updates: RedWolf have added a bunch of new updates to their website. Included in the latest round is a comparison review of their own custom TM AUGs. In the product updates you'll find two new custom AEGS (a custom HK51, and the G3 Snipe), of interest to me though is the new DeltaForce Helmet as seen in the film BlackHawk Down:

"...For lightweight head protection, gear yourself up with this replica helmet as used by the US Army Delta Forces (as seen in the movie BlackHawk Down). Foam padding with adjustable chin strap ensures helmet stays in place. Ventilation holes ensure you stay cool. Note that this helmet can withstand shots of any power from normal skirmish distances. Not to be used for protection against real steel ammunition. Weighs 400g..."

WA SV Healthcare: I'm proud to bring you a bunch of new articles written by Matthew Dean (aka Mobius Strip) that cover a range of improvements and alterations that you can easily do to your own WA SV.

The articles cover a range of issues including: the fitting of metal slides, general tune-up tips, trigger tuning, and custom WA SVs.

Read the full set of articles on how 'Dr SV' himself recommends that you get the best out of your own WA SV. For simplicity sake I've placed all the article in the projects section.

M99-1 from TOP: TOP has updated it's website with a new page covering the launch of it's new M99-1 body kit, that houses a Maruzen APS2. The translation of their page reads:

"...Barrett Firearms Manufacturing.Inc. Being similar, real it reproduces detail with precision survey! The high rigidity which common sense of adoption and the toy cancer/gun of the 2.3mm thick full metal frame exceeds. In duralmin make outer barrel, real thing similar flute (grooving tool) processing. The width 20 mm mount lane standard equipment which is in total length 300 mm. Bi- pod private design Real it reproduces the color tone to the metal part, with real thing similar Parker rising processing! As for trigger unit and frame section same as actual gun at 3 thrust pins disassembly possibility. The metal part with variously the kit gross weight approximately 5kg. The replica heavy feel realizes the weapon for the soldier just. As for the volt/bolt engine department in order to divert the APS2 that way the internals even in the APS2 which is done without problem installing yes. APS2 OR & SV simultaneous correspondence and the magazine use APS2 standard ..."

To save you the pain of working out what the translation engine has produced, here's the gist of it:

The new Barrett replica reproduces the detail of the original with extreme accuracy. With a replica of this size, it seemed only sensible to build the kit to a high degree of rigidity, as such the entire frame is made of 2.3mm thick metal. The replica features a 30cm long 20mm rail along the top, and a well designed and highly functional bipod. The barrel has been fluted and the painted colour is extremely close just to the real-steal. The trigger unit and reciever frame can be dissassembled by the removal of three pins. Fully constructed you are looking at a complete weight of 5kg. The kit can be constructed using the guts from either an APS2 'original' or the 'sniper version' and it uses standard APS2 mags.

Price for the kit of parts (excluding the APS2) is set to 79,000 yen, which is about 430UKP or 630 USD.

WGC Updates #argh! Well it looks like the webmaster at Wargamer's (WGC) recently got a pay rise or something, as WGC have just added another update! This update looks like one for you M4/16 (+ varients) lovers out there. Of particular note is the rather pimpy looking G&G HK51 Outer Barrel in silver with an RRP of USD47. Here's the complete list:

• Just Metal Rear Sling Adapter for M16A1 / A2 / SR16 USD15.5
• Just Metal Rear Sling Adapter for M4A1 / RIS / XM177 USD16.5
• First Factory PSS2 Barrel Spacer for APS2 SV / OR USD18.5
• PDI Zero Short Front Barrel for M4 ( 14mmN ) USD30
• PDI Zero Short Front Barrel for M4 ( 14mmP ) USD30
• Classic Army Hop Up Set for M4 / M16 USD17.5
• Classic Army M4A1 Retractable Stock USD76.5
• G&G M82 Type Flash Hider for PSG1 USD50.5
• G&G HK51 Outer Barrel ( Silver ) USD47
• Classic Army Handguard Panel Set for R.A.S. & R.I.S USD23.5
• Classic Army RIS Forward Grip USD12.5
• ICS Tactical Handguard for SD Series USD70
• Guarder Steel Handguard Cap for Marui M4A1 USD18
• Classic Army M16 Airsoft Gun Series Coming Soon

WGC Updates #3: Wargamer's (WGC) are having a bit of a field day with updates this week. Iincluded in these latest updates you'll find some more KTW shottys (cheap and surprisingly effective), some new body armour on the way, and the MC51 bullpup kit that we mentioned not so long ago. Oh, don't forget the new front metal set for the AK series made by TGS (remember we said that more manufacturers were soon to follow with production of this part?):

• Western Arms Para-Ordnance Coming Soon
• DeltaForce Body Armor ( Replica, Back Hawk Down Movie Version ) USD150 Coming Soon
• Ranger Body Armor ( Replica, Back Hawk Down Movie Version ) USD175 Coming Soon
• JET Custom MC51 Bullpup
• KSC SIG Sauer P232 & P232 Heavy Weight Available Now
• Marui Spring Goverment ( Hop-up Version ) Available Now
• KTW Ithaca M37 ( New Feather Light ) Available Now
• KTW Ithaca M37 ( New Sawed-Off ) Available Now
• TGS AK47 Metal Front Set New Release

BLOK helmet launched! The new BLOK helmet's have now been launched (a big thanks go out to Simon at ExtremeProcurement and Animal at MasterChief's for all their help with the BLOK info).

The BLOK helmet has just gone live at around £70 (RRP may vary). It's available in Black, Navy, Oliver Drab or DPM (as shown to the left). Delivery time should take about fourteen days (or less) for delivery in the UK. Don't forget that there are also options to have the logo of your choice printed on the helmet too (ask your retailer about this).

With reference to what the BLOK name and what it means, here's the latest from Animal at MasterChief's .

"...the guy who made the helmets is called Shaun Cayless who is I think both manager and owner of something called the "hockey warehouse" making protective gear for hockey players and BLOK is the trade name of his products. He is also making other protective gear for the Airsoft market (such as knee and elbow pads)..."

New TM releases: I can hear the fat lady singing... which can mean only one thing - the new TM releases are on their way out, so what is it - a G36, a SR25, or a hampster driven rail-gun? Nope - ladies and gents we bring you news of the new 'MP5 RAS', the long awaited MK23 NBB, and an INOX M92F GBB. Here's the latest news courtesy of AirsoftDynamics:

"Hot news just in..... Tokyo Marui have announced the release of a few new items at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, primarily a new MP5 Derivative the "MP5 R.A.S."

Based on an MP5A5, the R.A.S. features a forward handguard with rail system, a PDW type foldable stock, and apparently a red-dot sight - no details as to whether it will come with the sight pictured but we hope so, as always with Marui not to many details are known at this stage, we have no release dates as yet but price is expected to be around the £300 mark. Also announced... a makeover of an old favourite GBB, there will soon be a silver Inox version of Tokyo Marui's very successful M92F Military.

And lastly we have a few more details regarding the long awaited NBB from Marui, the Mk.23 SOCOM pistol, apparently it comes with a dedicated hard case..."

AirsoftClan Updates: There are some new offers on over at AirsoftClan of note that Steve kindly sent in. Here's the latest from them:

• M-16 hi-cap magazine : USD$22 each (expire date : Two Weeks)
• M-16 standard magazine : USD$12 each (expire date : Two Weeks)
• Excel BB (0.2g 3700rds , 0.25g 2200rds): $6 (expire date : Two Weeks)

New review #2: Incase there's not enough to read today ^_^ , I've just uploaded Macki's comparison review of the Kar98k. Macki has reviewed the Tanaka Kar98k, and compared it to the real-steel version that he owns.

Please note that Macki's first language isn't English, so please excuse the any poor grammer or spelling errors.

WGC Updates #2: Well no sooner do I get the first bunch of news up Wargamer's (WGC) send in their newest updates. Here's the latest from them, there's not much of huge interest, but if you're looking for a good deal on a TM AEG delivered to your door, you could be in luck:

• Marui AK47 with Excel Bio Degradable 0.2g BBs USD250
  ( Shipped by TNT, USA & 10 Pcs Only)
• Marui AK47S with Excel Bio Degradable 0.2g BBs USD250
  ( Shipped by TNT, USA & 10 Pcs Only )
• Bolle X500T In Stock Again!!
• Guarder Tactical CQB Butt Pack USD30
• Marui 4 x 6 Quick Loader for Marui Revolver USD12.5
• Marui Scope Mount for M19 USD18.5
• Marui Scope Mount for Python USD18.5
• K2 Shim Set USD2
• V.Warrior Glow Sight for Glock Pistols USD30

Operation Northern Storm 4: Operation Northern Storm 4 is approaching. The event is going to be held June 15-16, 2002 in Bemidji, Minnesota (USA) at Team SG-1's own outdoor skirmish site.

The cost for this game is 30USD if you preregister before June the 1st, and after that registration will be taken at the event at a cost of 40USD.

The event looks like it should be great fun for all participants, sadly there are limited photos from their last event (NS3), as everyone forgot to take photos - Doh! Hopefully some will be taken this time round ^_^. ReadMore...

New review: There's been a large call amongst our readership for reviews of more common kit, specifically AEGs. Well not wanting to disappoint I've just finished putting Gator's new review of the FAMAS F1 online. Read the full review for a fuller insight into this rather underrated AEG:

"...Well, I had bought an SD-2 and due to my just awful luck at the time it managed to shred it’s gearbox before I had fired 200 rounds...So with no main rifle, having little cash and 2 large 8.4v batteries I needed a rifle and fast...I needed a rifle that was cheap and took large batteries. I rang Airsoft Dynamics and spoke to James. He told me that the two cheapest AEG’s they had were the MP5 A4 and the FAMAS F1 for £195. Having had a recent run in with the MP5 family I wasn’t in the mood to risk it again. So I purchased a FAMAS F1 and one 300 round hi-cap.."

SniperHide updates : Lee Wade (aka 6mmGuru) has updated the well known SAC FANZINE the 'Airsoft Sniper Hide' with a humongous 12 page write up of their last event, which is a real change from their 24hr games.

Do go and checkout the Sniper Hide for the full article covering the '4 man speedball tournament in an enclosed area'. Whilst you're there please do be sure to read the tactics article, on how to organise a team in the arena.

"...Lee had got through the 240 mag and was just swapping to a 200 when PAPABEAR made a run for the flag. firing on the move, he was hit as TMF all turned their attention to him. Lee was now fairly pinned on the flank, so switched guns to the APS. Finding a bush with a hole through it, he lay prone behind the bush. Stinger put down a rapid series of bursts, yet his arcing pellets were only landing inside the bush. Lee took aim, missing Stingers gun by a couple of inches..."

New AK part! So you've got your AK47.. you've fitted a metal body to it, you've fitted wood stocks, and done it up to the nines. You have a perfect AK right? Well just incase you thought you did, G&P have released a metal front receiver for the AK. This product is made by G&P, but you can be sure that more copies (basically the same part) will pop up under different brand names. The cost is a very reasonable 68USD. So if you've after making about the most robust AEG you can get even stronger you can't go wrong fitting this to your AK.

I spotted this after it had been rather quietly posted on RedWolf's website: "...Install this metal front receiver section along with the ZEKE metal body to get a full metal AK47! Installs on both AK47, AK47S, Spetsnaz..."

New sanko slides: Darren (aka Nautilus) has kindly dropped us an email to say that Sanko have now finished the design of their replacement slides (made from brass). Here's what Darren had to say:

"This just in. Sanko have finalized there new brass 1911 slides. Like the original ones they are tuned for 134a stock and as with the originals Mr. Ito is happy to turn out any colt varient that will fit to a WA frame. However prices are likely to be very low. Young Fred will be bringing a few over to guage interest"

As Darren mentioned Young Fred will be popping over to the UK shortly, so we'll have the opportunity to test the new slides out ourselves. You can find some photos of a slide fitted to a WA pistol here. Hopefully Sanko will put their slides up for UK sale. ^_^

CA fat lady sings! The Classic Army Armalite range is set to officially launch at the end of this month, which can only be good news. Overall production quality, and the reasons for the launch delay as as yet unknown. The release info from CA is as usual sadly rather brief:

"The M16 series will launch at the end of May 2002, for more details, pls contact your Marketing & Sales Exective."

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

"...Greetings! There's been a lot going on with the SAC website recently. The documents on the 'Media' section have had a massive overhaul and have been converted to HTML format, making them easier and quicker to access and read. The members who wanted their profile and pictures changed have had their wishes granted and the team profiles have also been updated. There are some new pictures on the image gallery and a brief for the up-coming 24 hour event has been added.

Feel free to pop by and have a look. Remember, the next event at SAC is fast approaching, so book online for the May event, held on the 25th/26th of the month..."

Are you virus free? I know it's not Airsoft, but as this is affecting a lot of people at the moment, a news post is needed. There are several viruses going around at the moment, some more annoying than others. We are protected with both our inbound and outbound mail being scanned by the latest software. I highly recommend that you update your virus software now and perform a full system scan. All computers should be running an up to date antivirus package.

One particularly annoying virus is called 'Klez'. It sends emails from an infected machine pretending to be someone else in their address book. How do I know? Well we have received a heap of returned emails that were rejected by mail servers around the world, as email software thinks that it has come from us. We have also received several complaints.

In short Arnie's Airsoft is not infected by any viruses, but please take care in opening any strange emails.

"...Some variants of this worm use a technique known as "spoofing." If it does this, it chooses at random an address that it finds on an infected computer as the "From:" address that it uses when it performs its mass-mailing routine. Numerous cases have been reported in which users of uninfected computers receive complaints that they have sent an infected message to someone else..." (source: Symantec)

Please take this moment now to ensure your machine is virus free. Symantec have made available a free removal tool for the 'Klez' virus, which you can find here. If you need an up to date package I highly recommend buying Norton Antivirus 2002.

Terms and conditions online: Due to popular demand (and a few scary emails, from some even more scary people) we've now implemented our new Terms and Conditions (thanks go out to our in-house legal monkeys for this; the bananas are in the post!). These are listed on the entrance page of the website, and by entering the website you are taken as agreeing to them.

Enola Gaye live! There seems to have been some confusion, and several rumours filtering around about Enola Gaye. For anyone that doesn't know Enola Gaye are the only company that I know of in the UK that make pyrotechnic products ('smokes' and BB Grenades) specifically for Airsoft. For most skirmish sites, EG pyro products are the only make that you may use under their insurance terms.

"...The leading paintball pyrotechnic manufacturer in Europe. Enola Gaye is one of only 3 licensed factories in the U.K. that can produce high quality game enhancement products as seen on all good game fields near you..."

We just wanted to quash any rumours by saying that Enola Gaye are very much alive and kicking. You can find their informative website here www.enolagaye.com. (Thanks go out to Frank for letting me know)

Lost in the translation? Stringer's has written an addition to his Rising Sun Recon this month. This time he's been off to the 'BlackHole Airsoft Show' 2002. As usual his report is full of all kinds of interesting bits, including most notably some new releases from TOP (including various new M249 parts and builds). Do read the full article for more, including some juicy photos.

TOP have now released the Barrett M99-1 'Outer frame KIT', which is a kit that houses the Maruzen APS in bullpup form, but wait you say, that's not an M82A1, and yup you'd be right it's not (hence the 'lost in translation heading ^_^). Cost is listed as 89000Yen. The question as to if TOP are going to release an M82A1 has sadly yet to be answered by TOP themselves.

Now if you remember the news article a few months back, TOP also mentioned they had a 'Galil' in the works. After seeing the Barrett release, odds on we're looking at a kit to covert a TM AK into a Galil. My guess would be that much like the Smokey's AK74 kit, you'll need the TM AK47 for parts such as the gearbox, inner barrel, hopup, trigger guard, and wiring loom. It looks like the next that we'll hear about this is when TOP launch the Galil, until then, we'll just have to wait for the fat lady to sing. :)

New products on the horizon: (source GAMS) Tanaka (in the grand tradition of "..if you've got a winner, make every variant under the sun you can of it.") are going to be releasing a new version of their much famed and loved Kar98k. This time they are releasing the Kar98k 'mountain guard'. Release date and price is, as yet, unconfirmed. "So what's different?" you may ask.

Well this Kar98 has a reduced length, and a better padded/reinforced butt plate. Specs are given as: length 988mm, weight 3,350g, inner barrel 472mm. The scope and sling are extra, the scope (including mount base) costs 6,500Yen and the sling is 4,200Yen.

Also of note from the GAMS page, are several new parts by PDI. The new parts include, 'souper douper' lightweight pistons (14g) and vacuum pistons for the APS2 and M40A1 range, release date was set to March2002, so we should be seeing them in the shops now.

WA P14.45 scans: Matt (aka MobiusStrip) has been kind enough to send in some scans from ARMS and COMBAT of the new WesternArms P14.45. Here's what Matt had to say about the last release form WA:

"...these are scans from COMBAT and ARMS showing the new WA Para Ordnance P14. Interesting to note is the fact that the capacity is listed as 25+1 rounds. The magazine looks like the one from the SV Compact with a different floorplate. From examining the photos, I would say that the compact SV mags (24+1) will be too short to go in the gun, but the full size SV mags (30+1) will go, although they will protrude slightly. (Well hey if you are like me and have loads of SV mags lying around *ahem - 11*.....then it matters ^_-) ..." (click on any of the images below for a larger version)

New wallpaper : Space Cowboy has been kind enough to send in a bunch of really great images for us to put up here for you guys to use as wallpaper. You can find these images added to the bottom of the wallpaper page, with images ranging from the CZ75 to the M4/16 range - there's a backdrop there for everyone.

Due to space and time considerations, I've put the images up in 1600x1200 size, so if it's too big you'll have to resize them in your favourite image editing package. When I get a free moment I'll put up a range of sizes for each image.

Again a huge thanks go out to Space Cowboy for sending in such professional photos -thanks!

BLOK helmet preview: We've been lucky enough to be sent one of the new BLOK helmet's for preview (a big thanks go out to Simon at ExtremeProcurement and Animal at MasterChief's), so I've spent several hours tonight typing up my thoughts and findings. As it's about 2am here please excuse any errors in the (pre)review, as I haven't had time to proof read it completely yet. I've also updated the related news article with some extra info/pictures, so please don't forget to have a quick browse of that too. Enough waffling though, here's a quick snippet:

"...It's always a nice surprise to receive interesting things in the post. This time we've taken on the prototype BLOK DPM helmet to use, abuse and generally mess around with, courtesy of Extreme Procurement. So what does BLOK stand for? That's a jolly good question, and one that we've gone back to the manufacturers to ask about. ^_^

One point of note, please take into account that this is a prototype that we have received, and as such the final release is certain to improve upon this model..."

Mad About Airsoft news: MadAboutAirsoft have been very busy of late, and have now launched a few more product lines. Added to their list of products are two rather 'nifty' ideas, express BB delivery direct to your door (handy for when you plain forget that you just don't have enough ammo for the weekend), and some rather decent looking tac-radios and microphone sets. Here's what they had to say:

New wallpaper: I have the image to the right as my current backdrop, so I thought I'd share it with you guys and add it to the wallpaper section (in 'Articles'). It's nothing fancy, I just nocked it up in a few minutes in my favourite image editing program.

I've put the wallpaper up in 1024x768 and 1600x1200 sizes, sorry it's a little big, but I'm using a large screen here to do all the html work on.

You'll also find two other backdrops in the wallpaper section kindly created for us by Dr StrangeLove.

ClarenceLai updates: As you all know Arnie'sAirsoft is a full paid up member of the 'Tanaka revolvers kick butt' club, and what better recommendation could you have in that Clarence (aka AirsoftSurgeon) has created his own gorgeous custom Tanaka revolver IPSC piece.

Now it's not cheap, but then again custom beauties such as these never are. So what's been changed? Well as usual, there are only about two original parts left, in this case the frame and the cylinder.

The revolver's full name is the 'X-killer Super Revolver' and at 1599USD (and being a one off hand made piece), you can be assured of owning a one of a kind revolver. If you're interested, you can find more pictures of it here.

New products: So what's coming out, or recently been launched then?

Guay Guay competition kit This new kit is designed to fit the Marui M92f, and comes with a replacement hiflow valve, recoil spring/slide, outer barrel (with compensator) and what looks to be a hammer spring. The kit is listed as requiring 'professional installation', so it may not be an easy job to do. Distributor price is set to 3200 Taiwanese dollars, which is about 70UKP or 100USD.

CAW under-barrel grenade launcher: Yup it finally came to be, CAW are now working on their own grenade launcher. As you can expect being designed by CAW it can fit their own 165 BB shower grenades.

If you couldn't guess from the photo the the 'mini-launcher' is still in production, and the release date is set for the first third of June.

The launcher is designed to fit onto any 20mm rail, so will be at home on the TM P90, TM AK Beta-S, or the SR16. In CAW's own words "..fit it where you like and it'll fire your MOSCART". Handily the launcher comes with two 20mm rails on either side - which would be just perfect for fitting another mini launcher to...

New Tokyo Marui Desert Eagle EBB: TM are releasing a silver version of their electric blowback DE, if you're looking for a picture of it, you can find one here at TokyoModelCo. Don't forget that the EBB range aren't aimed at skirmishers... but I'll write about that in my next review. ^_^

WGC Shop: We've been sent some new stock updates from WGC (Wargamer's Shop). Of interest here are the new WA Sigma pistols and the much aired KJW M9:

DFG W-Mag for M16 ( E-Drive, 600 Rds ) USD147
Western Arms S&W Sigma 40F ( Black ) Crazy Sale USD135 Last 4 days
Western Arms S&W Sigma 40F ( 2 Tone ) Crazy Sale USD135 Last 4 days
Tanaka SIG SAUER P226 USD176
G&P Enhanced Pistol Grip for M16 Series USD20
G&P RIS Forward Grip USD22
Bolle X800T In Stock Again!
Bolle X500T Back Again Soon!
Bolle X800T Replacment Lens USD20
Bolle X500T Replacment Lens USD20
KJ Works M9 ( Metal Version ) USD165
Tanaka ZF41 Scope for Mauser Kar98K USD58.5
JT Vortex Fan System ( BK / OB ) USD60
JT - Spectra 260 Lens Care ( Double Lens, Black / OD ) USD50