[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

Another planned product that Airsoft Pyrotechnics casually mentioned about is the 40mm grenade pouch as shown in the "ML-36 HPA Version" video. It seems to carry up to 8 projectiles in a pouch. I've used similar pouch in the past, and I am not a big fan of it because of the needs to use both hands to close the pouch. I move on to another system consisting of both a Tactical Tailor 40mm Belt and two AK mag pouches. The Tactical Tailor 40mm Belt is like a "Ready Mag" for quick retrieval of rounds, and the AK mag pouches are for storing additional rounds to replenish the belt.

Fold Out 40mm Pouch: http://www.evike.com/products/40996/#pagetabs

 

Tactical Tailor 40mm Belt: http://www.tacticaltailor.com/40mmbelt12rd.aspx

 

 

 

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

Airsoft Pyrotechnics did not mention their "Fate" projectile in their recent videos, but they have a model displayed at ShotShow 2017. According to Airsoft Evike Matt's video, it is a projectile containing both impact and delay timer fuses (like a child of both "Reaper" and "Archangel"). It should be more effective than "Reaper" or "Archangel" alone. For example, a glancing shot may fail to trigger the impact fuse, but since the delay-timer fuse would be active once the projectile leaves the barrel, the projectile would still detonate. Also, TAGinn seems to deviate from the previous projectile designs, which were similar to NATO 40mm grenades in shapes. For the "Fate", they mimics the Russian 40mm grenades instead. I believe this is because of the needs to accommodate both impact and delay timer fuses, and the slender Russian 40mm grenade profile works better.

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

Inspired by "I AM A TANK" meme, I created this video from TAGinn's "ML-36 HPA Version" video.

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

Based on the information provided by Airsoft Pyrotechnics' second video about the ML-36 and new projectiles, I created the following pictures to highlight the new features. Also, I think the "anti-friction band" described in the video is not for reducing friction. Its function is probably to assist spinning the projectile and to center the projectile in the barrel.

 

 

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

The main difference between the TAG ML-36 Grenade Launcher CO2 and HPA versions besides the power source is that the HPA version cannot be mounted under-barrel. It is because the the barrel and trigger mechanism are fixed to the chassis. For me, I prefer to run my grenade launcher under-barrel because I think switching between two long weapons is too time consuming and may cause players to miss targets of opportunity.

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

TAGinn released another video of the ML-36 (HPA version). They talked about the improvement done in the new projectiles, great performance of the ML-36 (HPA version) in extreme weather condition.

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

The ML-36 is actually a replica of a real grenade launcher - Madritsch ML-40 (http://en.madritsch.eu/ml40-mk1). It was originally designed as an accessory for the Australian's enhanced Steyr AUG rifle (F88 Austeyr), but the company lost the competition to Steyr's GL-40, and the fate of ML-40 is uncertain. I don't know if Madritsch sold the license to TAGinn for producing a GL-40 replica or not, but if they did, it might be due to the fact they can not find a buyer for ML-40.

 

[TAGinn ML36 Grenade Launcher]

TAGinn just released a full-feature video of their new grenade launcher - TAG ML36: 

 

 

Based on my experience with TAG15 (GP-25 style launcher released in 2015) and observation of the newly-released video, I think TAGinn's ML36 launcher will be a winner! If you skipped the TAG15 because of its limited rifle compatibility and price, you definitely want to get the ML36!

 

The exciting new features of ML36 are:

 

1. New projectile system: the projectiles will now come with casing that allow easy loading/unloading - no more needs to shoot out projectiles to unload the launcher! The spent casing can be reused by inserting another projectile into it. And to make things even better, I am 99% sure you can make shotgun rounds from the casing (see figure 3 and 4). I believe you can put at least 40 BBs in the casing. If TAGinn decide to officially adopt this application, they should make elongated casing so that players can put even more BBs in it!

 

2. Versatile gas system: the innovative TAG15 gas system is adopted with improvement - the front sight is now integrated to the CO2 chamber cap, making it easier to operate the cap. In addition, when used with the stand alone chassis, players can load 2 CO2 cartridges into the "butter tube", or use both gas systems together and have 3X of the original gas capacity. TAGinn is also planning to incorporate HPA as another power source in the near future.

 

3. Ergonomic breech loading mechanism: the ML36's breech operates like a M320, meaning the breech opens to the side. This allows players to load/unload more quickly, as well as use longer rounds such as the high capacity shotgun rounds I proposed above.

[TAGinn Shell Pro vs Shell Regular]

[TAGinn Shell Pro vs Shell Regular]

TAGinn Shell Pro has a recessed fill port, so my Madbull XC03 charger could not reach the fill valve. Fortunately, I found a duster gas adapter in my gear bag, which served nicely as a fill tip extender.

 

 

[TAGinn Shell Pro vs Shell Regular]

Just got the TAGinn Shell Pro! Here’s a brief test report:

 

Environment: Indoor, 80.7 degree F
Chronograph: Shooting Chrony F-1
Launchers: VFC EGLM
Shells: TAGinn Shell Pro and Shell Regular
Gases: CO2
Projectile: TAGinn Pecker (24 gm)

 

Results:
1. Shell Pro, CO2 (800 psi): 163.8, 175.4, 181.9, 189.1, 130.3, 160.2 fps – AVG 166.8 fps; 31.0 J, 2.9 J/cm^2, ~7 mm ballistic clay indentation
2. Shell Regular, CO2 (450 psi): 174.6, 150.3, 156.8, 175.0, 220.3, 168.9 fps – AVG 174.3, 33.9 J, 3.2 J/cm^2, ~7 mm ballistic clay indentation
3. Shell Regular, CO2 (300 psi): 114, 117.7, 116.5, 117.0, 117.7, 119.4 fps – AVG 117.7, 15.4 J, 1.4 J/cm^2, ~3 mm ballicstic clay indentation

 

Discussion:
Both Shell Pro and Shell Regular at maximal operational gas pressure (800 and 450 psi) propelled projectiles which were below 40 J head injury threshold, and less than 44 mm ballistic clay lethal criteria.

 

TAGinn Shell Pro, when charged with unregulated 12 gm CO2 cartridges, produced comparable velocities to that of Shell Regluar at 450 psi. This may be caused by the signicant smaller chamber volume in Shell Pro, which stores similar amount of CO2 gas at 800 psi as Shell Regular at 450 psi.

 

High gas pressure resulted in greater variabilities in velocities in both Shell Pro and Shell Regular, while low gas pressure showed better consistency in velocities. This may suggest that low gas pressure will improve shooting accuracy, while lowering the injury risks. 117.7 fps produced by Shell Regular at 300 psi should be able to reach effective range of greater than 150 feet, based on my previous experiences.

 

Conclusion:
TAGinn claimed the Shell Pro may be safe to use with unregulated 12 gm CO2 cartridges. The results showed Shell Pro, when charged with unregulated 12 gm CO2 cartridges, appeared to propell projectiles at velocities within safety limits.

 

 

[TAG 40mm Shells & Projectiles]

This is a public service announcement for customers in USA, and is not intended to harm TAGinn and Airsoft Pyrotechnics' businesses:

 

"A warning on pyro TAG grenades and rounds for USA players..

 

We dug around a bit on this while having a conversation on another site...... Heres what turned up

 

Short answer is time in the Federal pen for importing or possessing them!

 

Ordering them from overseas is a crime!
They have not gotten a DOT EX# or classification/approval This makes it illegal to import, caused to be shipped or otherwise transport them in the US. This is why they are "Out of stock" at the US distributors such as Airsoft Outlet NW

The ATF is involved!
Without a DOT classification of UN0336, UN0337, UN0431, or
UN0432 they fall under the jurisdiction of the BATFE and would require a federal explosives license and approved storage

Please share, as no one should end up in jail for playing a game with some bad info."

 

- Quoting a USA firework store owner who also plays Airsoft.

[TAG 40mm Shells & Projectiles]

So, Skarclaw previously raised an interesting proposal of clarifying the legality of the TAG pyro rounds, which was consulting the British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA). I stated back then that I considered it a bad idea because BPA would assess the matter solely from their standpoint without considering Airsofters' views, and they may even make decisions based on beliefs rather than sound science. And if there is business competition involved, it could even get uglier.

 

Recently, I was looking into the safety of adult snaps for pyro effect on my P.M.O.G. projectiles. I found out that American Pyrotechnic Association (APA) - a private lobbying group - was making a fuss about selling them in 2011: http://www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/Safety_Advisories/adultsnappersadvisory.pdf. But the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - a government agency -  reported that the adult snaps exhibited 8 times smaller explosive pressure than fire crackers of similar sizes (0.85 psi vs. 6.5 psi), and they were so weak that they found it unnecessary to assess the shrapnel injury potential. In addition, they can take rough handling in their original package, so people shouldn't worry about shipping them as long as there are adequate soft fillings around them. I showed that even detonation of adult snaps against human skins did not result in any injuries: http://youtu.be/7eJhs5I0U0c?t=7m52s

 

So why was APA against adult snaps? Some said it's more about business than concern of consumer safety: http://www.pyrouniverse.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-35516.html. The APA saw that non-members were making money on selling adult snaps, and they got jealous. Now I may be making generalization here, but it seems that BPA is similar to APA in the way that they are mostly established by major pyrotechnic companies, and they may be hostile to pyro products that are not produced by one of them. I think it's probably best to consult UKARA, or even an independent Airsofter lobbying group on this matter.

[TAG 40mm Shells & Projectiles]

mmm I have a tt belt but I'm not 100% on it. I run webbing not a plate carrier - tempted to cut it in two and run it down the straps at the front.

You don't need a plate carrier to run the TT belt on your chest - here's another picture of the said Soldier. I think he was wearing a chest rig, but I couldn't tell what make it was. You just need to shorten the TT belt's adjustable strap.

 

Another interesting fact is that the Soldier seemed to be running his M320 grenade launcher as his primary weapon, and carrying his M4 on his back. I prefer to have my grenade launcher attached to my rifle because the effective range of Airsoft rifles and grenade launchers are both short. I need both by my finger tips to engage targets quickly in Airsoft battles.

 

[TAG 40mm Shells & Projectiles]

Cheers for this. I'm so tempted but I admit that the lack of concrete info surrounding the legality is what is putting me off. As for the strength of the grenades - I've been using a replica of this http://www.first-spear.com/product.php?productid=17636 for my 40mms which has served me well - I reckon it could be reinforced with card from an old ring binder folder. 

 

I used to run the 6-pack 40mm grenade pouch by TMC (http://www.ebairsoft.com/sixpack-40mm-grenade-p-6083.html), but not any more due to its bulkiness. In addition, the pouch is designed for short 40 mm grenades, and doesn't hold the TAG shells very well. I now carry my TAG and G&P shells with Tactical Tailor 40mm belt (http://www.skdtac.com/Tactical-Tailor-40mm-M203-Belt-p/1tt.177.htm) and Condor AK magazine pouches (http://www.condoroutdoor.com/Condor-MA6.aspx). I run my 40mm loadout like this soldier below. I mostly use the belt for quick access to 40mm grenades, and since the grenades are positioned at the chest level, the chances of crushing them if I take a tumble are quite low. As for the AK pouches positioned at waist level, I put two 1.5-inch PVC pipes cut to 10 cm inside them for protection of the TAG shell and projectiles.

 

[TAG 40mm Shells & Projectiles]

Great review! I'm interested in your claim that the TAG projectiles don't fly in a smooth curve when launched near 45-degree angle - I hope there's a cheap way to capture their flight characteristics. Even if they don't fly smoothy, their maximum range is very impressive - more than 90 m! In terms of accuracy, my tests showed that it is easy to hit a 100 cm x 100 cm window size target at a distance of 15 m repetitively.

 

I also think their use in open field is somewhat limited. They are better than Nerf rockets in terms of capturing players' attention, but the shrapnel coming out from the projectiles (Reaper or Archangel) don't fly far enough to simulate the effect of a real 40mm grenade. But I doubt if further shrapnel spread can be achieved within safety limits. I think they are best suited to use in MOUT sites, where the confine of a room would amplify the sound of the pyrotechnic rounds. In addition, it is easier to determine the kill radius - most people would agree that if a grenade goes off in a room, all of the players within should be dead.