Airsoft Newsarticle index

Airsoft News Article Index last updated Saturday, November 9, 2002

TM G36C COMBAT Magazine article Images kindly submitted by Jon (aka SpaceCowboy), and translation by Jesper (aka Qvizd). The information here is from the latest scans from Combat magazine (please note that although Combat magazine isn't actively sold in the UK, you can purchase copies through HK Airsoft dealers)

"...After more than 10 years of producing airsoft-guns of all ages and countries, an entirely new version has been introduced. This is the newest H&K G36 short version (G36C). They modeled the G36C, which already in its real steel has been drawing quite some attention all over the world. We have chosen to present to you the first details we achieved at the Makuhari Messe (Trade show in Tokyo) oct. 17th-20th, where Tokyo Marui presented the gun..."

Well here's the latest news about the G36c, for all the latest about this new product, havea read of the full article. Read more...

News from Clarence Lai's BlackHole visit Whilst Herman (aka DolphinCommand) was over in HK, he popped in to see Clarence Lai, and was kind enough to bring back a story and some piccies from Clarence himself for the website. Here's the news from Clarence (article written by Herman):

"...News fresh from Japan Courtesy of Airsoft Surgeon (aka Clarence Lai) the renowned Airsoft Smith from Hong Kong.

Clarence recently went to Japan for the Black Hole 2002 Airsoft show, While he was over there, a certain little gas blow-back from KSC caught his eye - the Smith and Wesson Performance Center 945, or PC945 for short.

Out of all the goodies that Clarence spotted throughout his visit, he was most interested in this lovely new Smith and Wesson, not only for its incredibly detailed "Fish Scale" slide, but also for the quality of its internal componants! Watch out for this little number coming to an airsoft retailer near you! For more Black hole 2002 coverage, pop over to Clarences' website http://www.airsoftsurgeon.com ..." For more piccies and a longer write up Read more...

Q boys in the house! written by Arnie - Friday, May 24, 2002
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..."

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. Read more...

Operation Northern Storm 4 written by Arnie - Wednesday, April 17, 2002
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...

Prototype Protective Helmets written by Arnie - Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Simon Dakin of Extreme Procurement Limited (http://www.extremeprocurement.com/) has sent in some info that he thought might be of interest to us Airsofters. They are in the process of taking on a new product. As it's still in development, we've been sent in some of the production imagery, and some concept art.

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

New BBs at Wolf written by KillerWolf - Tuesday, April 16, 2002
There's a new stock of BBs in at Wolf (thanks go out to Lee for emailing them in). The new range of BBs have previously never been seen on the UK Airsoft front and look to be very promising:

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

Asia Paintball M4-RAM written by Arnie - Wednesday, April 10, 2002
With the interest in the M4 RAM recently I thought we should post a news article covering the M4 RAM. I've had so many emails concerning it, that I thought it'd be easier for us to put this article up to be a sort of M4-RAM FAQ.

Now to be fair the M4 RAM isn't Airsoft, and it isn't quite Paintball, but somewhere inbetween. The M4-RAM also isn't that new, as it's been out for quite some time, although has not had a great deal of 'airtime'. Personally I'd class this product as a fun toy, rather than a practical item. But then again, to my mind Airsoft should be fun, and if you can play with this is your back yard and enjoy repainting the garden shed the hard way, then why not? If you've ever used or played with the TokyoMarui RC Tanks, you'll know how appealing these office tuys are. :) Hey it's shell ejecting, what more fun can you have? ReadMore...

World War 2 Special - June 29th/30th 2002 written by Phil Stevens (aka Pigpie)- Monday, March 18, 2002
With increase interest in the WW2, we've decided to do a themed WW2 weekend, using both woodland and urban sites.

The event will be at Dragon Valley, and Spectre Wargames (Cardiff and Herefordshire respectively) ReadMore...

Hot new stuff at Wolf'sLair written by KillerWolf - Sunday, March 10, 2002
So what's the latest from Wolf's Lair ? Well KillerWolf has been kind enough to email in some stock updates from them, including some decent looking SWAT gear that won't fall to pieces after two skirmishes. -Arnie ReadMore...

"Wolf have worked closely with the manufacturer to produce a range that is of high quality without the huge costs of some other brands in the western market. ... Rifle bags start from just £19.99, Thigh rigs £39.99 and vest/rigs from an unbelievable £74.99. It just gets better; each item comes with a manufacturers warranty. Expect new designs and kit soon from the brand that is destined to make a big impact on the UK skirmish market, only at Wolf."

New at Wolf'sLair written by KillerWolf - Thursday, February 21, 2002

Wolf's Lair have been very quiet of late (on the web front that is). Wolf Armouries, their retail shop outlet, has relatively recently moved to a new site in Camden Town London with a newly designed shop layout. So why haven't we heard much ? Well they've been busy that's why. :o)

Business has been booming for them, they have been quietly working on a new website, and (from the looks of the images I've just received) been producing some absolutely gorgeous new custom replicas.So what have we got? Well read on to discover the latest from Wolf, including a spanky new Armalite replica (the ZM) - Arnie

Please note: All the images above are of the prototype models. Click on any of the images for a larger version ReadMore...

Guarder M249UUP(part1) written by Richard Chou- Friday, February 15, 2002

Richard sent has sent in some photos and a complete article that covers their recent release of Phaze One of their UUP. The article also covers details of their future plans including their new electric boxmag. ReadMore...

"...I have a wonderful news for everyone -- UUP Phase One for TOP M249 is finally released! We have produced three items in phase one of UUP: Steel Outer Barrel Set, Metal Feed Tray Cover and Enhanced Spring Set...When you installed both Steel Outer Barrel Set and Metal Feed Tray Cover on TOP M249, it becomes even more solid and the weight is about 6 kilograms!"

Custom M249 Boxmag written by 'The Gear Guys'- Wednesday, February 6, 2002

The Gear Guys, wanted to let everyone know that they are onto version 6 of their SAW box mags Read More...

"...I just made 2 for friends of mine and they seem to be very good during skirmishes. An important NOTE - there are two types of SAW boxes I have seen recently. The version with the fins on the front has a much smaller internal width and will NOT fit hicap magazines as far as I have been able to ascertain. If you are using a custom loading system these still may be useful but if you are building a box mag similar to mine then I would recommend inquiring carefully before purchasing a SAW box for your project..."

V-MAT written by Miki Nakamura - Wednesday, February 6, 2002
Miki Nakamura (the CEO of TokyoHobby) has emailed in a set of photos and some text from V-Mat.

V-Mat is one of those wallet-breaking shows that you just wish you could go to, but the like of which sadly only tend to happen in Japan, thankfully Miki was there to take photos of the interesting bits for us :) . Read More...

"...The annual V-MAT exhibition in Japan gathers a militaria fans around the Japan and is well known event. The main organizers are besides the fans, Arms Magazine and the annual sponsoring company, which this year was Smokey's. Many groups of fans join the event such as US Special Forces group, German WWII military recreators, military surplus and gun shops, some manufacturers and publishers of magazines. The participants change every year, so things are always interesting for the fan..."

TOP M249SAW written by Miki Nakamura - Tuesday, January 15, 2002
Miki Nakamura (the CEO of TokyoHobby) kindly sent in this news article for UK hobbyists and our other readers regarding the recent new release from TOP. The photos in this article were taken at Yoshitomo Co. Ltd.(TOP) and the information in this article has been checked and approved by the CEO of Yoshitomo Co. Ltd.. Miki has also provided a feedback section where you can send in your comments, which will be directed to Yoshitomo Co. Ltd. by TokyoHobby themselves). Read More...

"...Yoshitomo Co. Ltd. has produced this excellent squad fire support weapon as an Airsoft replica under their brandname TOP, which has an excellent reputation as the M60 model gun manufacturer. After producing several M60 variants for a decade they wanted to bring this experience and know-how to their new series of M249 electric machine guns..."

AE M249 written by DolphiNCommand - Friday, January 4, 2002
There's been a huge demand for well built solid M249 replicas, strangely we've had to wait until now for no less than 2 more good looking models to come out of the woodwork. Read More...

"Hot on the heels of the TOP M249 Squad Automatic Weapon AEG is Airsoft Elite. The American Wing of ICS Airsoft in Taiwan, have announced they are bringing out a raft of FN-M249 derivatives. The AE versions of the M249 will be avalible as the 'PARA' or the 'SPW' versions. The 'PARA' is the lighter looking version, with the bare minimum of acoutremounts, apart from the bipod. While the 'SPW' seems to be AE's interpretation 'Special Operations' version. Both are made from 'High Tensile' Welded 'Steel' and will also come with a '1600 round Box mag' It is unknown at this time wether or not the AEG will be compatible with Tokyo Marui - M16 magazines."

Airsoft Galil written by DolphiNCommand - Wednesday, January 2, 2002
Here's the latest, on two Airsoft replicas of the rather obscure Israeli rifle, the Galil. Read More...

"It's old news, but UK 'softers need to know...You wait for ages for an AK varient to come out and then 2 come along at once! Following on from the Beta Spetsnaz, we have another Kalashnikov type AEG, This time a custom job from our friends at Q-Project. Well, here's a little item that seemed to sneak below our radar, but Q-Project, Redwolfs American other half have only gone and produced a IMI Galil!"

Classic Airsoft written by DolphiNCommand - Wednesday, January 2, 2002
Elderly Airsoft equipment seems to be forgotten by some folks, well Sparky hasn't. Read More...

"...Another holiday season special! Sparkys Classic Airsoft is a US Airsoft enthusiast who has decided to share his love for the older classic airsoft guns with us. Classic Airsoft guns are those that came before Tokyo Marui released their Hop-up range of AEG's. As such, they can be over 10 years old or more! Companies such as JAC, FTC, Asahi, MGC, Kokusai ruled the roost, sadly many of these companies only exist in reduced forms now :( Or they went out of business. However, Sparky keeps their legacy alive. offering some stunning bits of kit that most airsofter will have never seen..."

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ShopItaly written by DolphiNCommand - Friday, December 21, 2001
After an Airsoft M500 Maverick or Enfield M81? Then read on. Read More...

"Thanks to Goldfish#10 for this Italian retailer, ShopItaly seems to have quite a few classic airsoft guns available, including some rather nice KHC springers."

Academy L85-a1 written by DolphiNCommand - Friday, December 21, 2001
So you want an SA80 replica, well there's more out there than you might think. Read More...

"The Academy SA-80 L85-a1 ( £170 from Zero-One Airsoft Telephone 01202 521629 ) is the only readily available AEG version of the SA80 still in production today. There are other custom versions, but they can cost up to 4 times the price of the Academy one.

However, many people have said that the ACX L85 is not a very good piece of equipment, I think these people may be missing the point slightly, as its just so cheap!"

ß-SpetznazHistory written by DolphiNCommand - Friday, December 21, 2001
So what have Airsoft and computer games got in common? Well more than you may think actually. Read More...

"...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..."