In my own opinion the PFC (Plug Fire Cartridge) systems don’t get enough airtime on the web, and are (in most parts) a lesser known product concept than Airsoft itself. True they don’t project 6/8mm BBs but they are made by the same companies that manufacture Airsoft products. Sitting somewhere between a cap gun and a blank firer they have the advantages of blowback and noise, but none of the possible legal and safety problems inherent with certain blank firer designs. Handy if you just want a prop gun, or something that looks the part as a desk toy or otherwise. If you’re feeling really adventurous, parts from suitable PFCs could be modified to be installed around an Airsoft mechanism to make your own custom build.
Over at ModelGuns.co.uk there’s a huge stock of gear in with classics from manufacturers like MGC/Kokusai that date back over 20 years in some cases, through to the more modern Hudson builds.
Added to their site today is a Colt SAA .45 PFC made by Kokusai. It’s rare, it’s metal and comes with real wood grips:
The main disadvantage of the stock over at ModelGuns is that there is normally only one of each item, so you’ll have to move quick if you want one – I doubt that the SAA will be around for long myself. It’s worth remembering that the classic PFC items whilst being in full working order shouldn’t be considered to be able to withstand the same use as modern builds simply because they are effectively antiques – this goes double for the older blowback and full auto firing models. If you’re not sure what PFC gear looks like, or what it sounds like when it’s being used, there’s a heap of videos on their website showing how they empty shells. Any budding SledgeHammer wannabes out there (at current count that’s about 7,500 of you lot) who’ve just picked up their new sports jacket will be very interested in the metal revolver section, specifically the two Magnum .44s that are left.
Edit: While this news has been typed up and added a new S&W .357 Magnum , "Dirty Harry" .44 Magnum and Hit XM177E2 Commando have also been added to their pages. I doubt that these will hang around for long either so best get in fast.