Issue 16 - Dec 2012

ACT

ION

DECEM

BER

2012

THE Airsoft Magazine

Big boyz toyz ❱ north west alliance ❱ co2 marushin m1 ❱ art of patrolling DECE

MBE

R 20

12 -

£4.2

5LCT TKMS NV 'REAL TAKEDOWN'Does LCT's new-for-2012 TKMS live up to expectations?

ZOMBIES AT ARDEERBaz C gets stuck in at his fi rst ever FilmSim event

INSIDE AIRSOFT:HYDE DEFINITIONMeet the British creator of the PenCott camo pattern family

AIR

SOFT A

CTION

WINNER ANNOUNCED!CAMO COMPETITION PRIZE DRAW!

IRON MAN IIISPANISH

MILSIMSUPPORTGUNNERSIS YOUR LMG NEGLECTED?

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02 December 2012

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03www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

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CONTENTSAIRSOFT ACTION – DECEMBER 2012

6 READERS’ GALLERY YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR

FACE IN THE MAGAZINE

9 AIRSOFT NEWS TOKYO MARUI UPDATE, NEW

SITES AND KIT, AND COMP WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

12 REVIEW: LCT TKMS NV BAZ C LOVES HIS LCT AKS

BUT IS THE 2012 OFFERING UP TO THE STANDARD?

16 EVENT: NWAA IGGY ROBERTS DISCOVERS THE

N. WEST AIRSOFT ALLIANCE

23 SUPPORT GUNNERS RON M ON THE ROLE OF THE

AIRSOFT SUPPORT GUNNER

28 KIT BAG TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE

KIT WE’VE USED RECENTLY

30 IRON MAN III NO, NOT THAT IRON MAN –

ROBERTO LOPEZ TACKLES SPAIN’S NATIONAL EVENT

Editor: Nigel Streeter

Assistant editor: Anthony Platt

Graphic Design: Steve Dawson

Art director: Chris Sweeney

Ad design: Anna Makwana

Advertising: Toni Cole

Group production editor: Colin Fallon

Operations director: James Folkard

Assistant publisher: Ruth Burgess

Publisher: Wesley Stanton

Full UK 12-issue subscription rate: £59.40For overseas prices visit:www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

Cover photograph: H Photography

Tel: 07979 912146 W: www.hphotography.me.uk

Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street

Leamington Spa.Warwickshire. CV32 5SZ

Tel: 01926 339808 Fax: 01926 470400

E: [email protected]

W: www.blazepublishing.co.uk

© Blaze Publishing Limited, 2012

Distribution: Distributed to the newstrade by Comag Magazine Marketing, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE T: 01895 433 800

Copyright © Blaze Publishing Limited 2012. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publishers in writing. The opinions of the writers do not necessarily refl ect those of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.

37 BIG BOYZ TOYZ BIG BOYZ TOYZ TAKES TO THE

SEAS (WITH TORPEDOES)

40 REVIEW: WE ACE VD RATTY GETS STUCK INTO WE’S

NEW SVD REPLICA

47 DEBATE: MAG CAPACITY GARETH HARVEY STIRS UP

THE CAPACITY CONUNDRUM

48 AIRSOFT ABROAD: BRAZIL DEAN ANTON TELLS US WHAT

WE NEED TO KNOW TO PLAY AIRSOFT IN BRAZIL

52 FILMSIM: RESIDENT EVIL HE PUT UP A FIGHT, BUT WE

FINALLY GOT BAZ C ALONG TO A FILMSIM – AND HE LOVED IT!

57 REVIEW: SNOW WOLF SWS HAS SCOTT ALLAN FOUND

THE HOLY GRAIL OF AFFORDABLE SPRING SNIPERS?

60 INSIDE: HYDE DEFINITION HYDE DEFINITION DEVELOPED

THE PENCOTT CAMO FAMILY – LAWRENCE H TELLS US MORE

004 December 2012

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At the time of writing I have just got back from a weekend at Copehill Down with Tier1 (full report in next issue) which, as an observer, brought home one particular aspect of airsoft which for me makes it the best game to be

involved in – sportsmanship.Sportsmanship can be defi ned as: Conduct and attitude considered as befi tting

participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing.

Yes, airsoft is an adrenalin-fuelled game and yes, sometimes participants can get a little heated, but for the vast majority of the time I see the game played in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Last weekend was testament to that.

While moving through a mouse hole a player went over and twisted his ankle. He was obviously in some pain and “Cease fi re!” was called. Copehill Down is not a small place and squads were spread right across the area, some involved in pretty heavy fi ghting – but within a matter of seconds the message spread and the whole area fell silent. Nobody moved from their position – not one single per-son tried to gain an advantage from another player’s misfortune – and I wouldn’t mind betting that nobody even thought of doing so.

Airsoft might be unpopular with the ‘PC Brigade’ but it is simply not possible to play without fi rst adopting certain unfashionable traits, such as taking respon-sibility for your actions, admitting when you get things wrong, being prepared to make decisions (and sticking to them) and then wrapping the whole lot up in the ideals of sportsmanship.

I can think of more than one section of our modern society that could learn an awful lot by getting out on an airsoft fi eld for a day or two…See you out there,Nige(PS. ‘Sarge’, the player who went over, was soon back on his feet, sore but OK. Thanks to Tommo and the rest of the guys who took care of him!)

Search ‘Airsoft Action’

Letter, idea or question?Got something to say? A question for our experts? Or an article, or article idea? Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the assistant editor ([email protected]), send us a letter at the Blaze Publishing address on the previous page – or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook.

64 BILLY BASICS THIS MONTH BILLY ASKS: ARE

SPECIAL FORCES SPECIAL?

68 MARUSHIN M1 CARBINE HAS CO2-POWER IMPROVED

MARUSHIN’S M1 CARBINE? RATTY FINDS OUT

71 COLD WAR WARRIORS GADGE RECREATES ANOTHER

AFFORDABLE COLD WAR IMPRESSION

75 SKILLS ROOM: PATROLS DAN MILLS TAKES US

THROUGH THE ART OF PATROLLING

80 MEDIA REVIEW ALEX W’S ADDICTED TO FREE-

TO-PLAY TANK ACTION!

82 WOUNDED SHOOTER DRILL ANDY N RETURNS WITH MORE

REAL WORLD ADVICE FOR AIRSOFT ROLE PLAYERS

84 SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE NEXT

WEEKEND...

88 BOOK SHOP GRAB YOURSELF AN EARLY

CHRISTMAS PRESSIE FROM THE AA BOOKSHOP!

facebook.com/AirsoftAction

Find us on…


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006 December 2012

Send your pics into [email protected] and see yourself in the mag – the more the merrier!

READERS’ GALLERY

Henry Wissel sent in this awesome picture!

Dave at CQB Swindon, featured in this month’s News section!

Christopher Gray at Free Fire Zone Bulby Wood site!

Nick Baxter sent this shot of him at Stormforce Airsoft!

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08 December 2012

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AIRSOFT | NEWS


AIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWSAIRSOFT NEWS

Madbull and Echo1 have joined forces to create the airsoft replica of Rifl e Dynamics’

‘501 Rifl e’ AK-style rifl e.

Madbull announced earlier this year that it had gained the Rifl e Dynamics license.

Madbull recruited Echo1 as its build partner for the project. It is also working closely

with Rifl e Dynamics, proving a growing trend for real-steel manufacturers to get

involved with the development of airsoft replicas.

A video released by Echo1 also suggests that Echo1 will manufacture airsoft

replicas of the Rifl e Dynamics PKM.

Madbull released a photo which appears to show the airsoft 501, though no release

date or price have been confi rmed yet.

ECHO1 TO BUILD RIFLE DYNAMICS REPLICAS

CQB Tactical has opened in Swindon.

This new venue features almost

100,00sq/m of prime CQB battleground.

A full site review will follow in a later

issue – but already we’ve had positive

reports from players who attended the

site’s open day.

AA reader Dave said: “The arena is

made up of ground and fi rst fl oor levels,

staircases, disused toilets and offi ces,

old cars, pallet stacks, walls and other

cover made from assorted materials.

The organisers are awaiting health and

safety clearance on an additional zone,

the basement, a pitch black area full of

old industrial equipment – when this is

opened it will be madness!”

Run by experienced staff and marshals,

the site has an onsite shop and large Safe

Zone, and due to good ventilation has no

restrictions on smoke grenades or other

pyros (which Dave tells us are absolutely

essential here, so you have been warned!).

The site address is: Cheney Manor

Industrial Estate, Darby Close, Swindon

SN2 2QW.

The site holds games every Sunday.

For more information call 07710 236316 /

07500 894224, or visit www.cqbtactical.

co.uk.

NEW CQB SITE IN SWINDON

NEW A-TACS FG KITWarrior Assault Systems has launched

a full range of webbing/load carrying

products in the new A-TACS FG

camoufl age pattern.

The company is running a Facebook

giveaway for £400 worth of the new FG

kit.

Currently WAS is offering two plate

carriers in the FG pattern, along with a

full range of ammo and utility pouches

and other kit. The products are available

to order now – check with your favourite

retailers whether they are stocking any.

To enter Warrior Assault System’s

competition visit: www.facebook.com/

warriorassaultsystems

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010 December 2012

Tokyo Marui has unveiled several forthcoming products at the All Japan Model Hobby Show held in October.

The TM HK416D Recoil Shock EBB is due for Japanese release before the end of 2012. When it eventually reaches UK retailers

expect a price around £400-£550. Weighing around 3.5kg with battery fi tted, the focus has clearly been on accurate replication of the

real-steel. It features interchangeable barrels (10in and 14.5in), ambidextrous selector, six-position detachable stock, limitable mid-

cap magazine (limit from 82 to 30 rounds), ‘automatic stop’ and CNC machined aluminium parts.

A 520-round hi-cap magazine will be released alongside

it, though the ‘automatic stop’ function will not work when

using them.

An optional M203A1 grenade launcher for the HK416D will

also be released, which has a gas injection valve leading to

some debate about its operation. As yet there is very little

information from Tokyo Marui.

TM has also developed it’s smallest, lightest High Cycle

AEG to date – the MP5K HC. Weighing around 1.5kg (and just

345mm long) it has a short top rail and no stock. The battery

is fi tted inside the end cap, held in place with two screws.

There’s been no word of a Japanese release price (or even

a ‘tentative price’), though it is set to be on sale in Japan in

December so we should have more information before the

year is out.

TOKYO MARUI NEWS

After more than a year we can fi nally reveal the winner of the camoufl age competition is: Amy Elizabeth Bishop – congratulations!

If you’re new here, the camoufl age competition has been running since issue one of Airsoft Action. Each issue has contained a different swatch of a legitimate camoufl age, and for a chance to win all of the kit pictured here (and a bit more we couldn’t squeeze in) you had to tell us what all 12 of the patterns were.To put you out of your misery, the correct answers are as follows: Issue 01 – West Germany BGS SumpfmusterIssue 02 – Portuguese M63 Vertical LizardIssue 03 – Swedish M90 SplinterIssue 04 – Italian 1st Issue Army Desert (‘Mimetico Deserto’)Issue 05 – Indian DPM (sometimes called Palm Frond or FernIssue 06 – Switzerland, M92 or TAZ 90Issue 07 – East German Flachtarnenmuster (also called blumentarn (fl ower) or kartoffelnmuster (potato) pattern)Issue 08 – Oman Desert DPM variationIssue 09 – Italian San Marco Battalion (Marines or BSM, beach or temperate version)Issue 10 – Chinese PLA ‘DPM’ Pattern (one side of reversible camoufl age uniform issued during 1980s)Issue 11 – Egyptian Dense Desert Pattern (nicknamed Scrambled Eggs)Issue 12 – Russian (pink variation of) TTsKO pattern (also called Russian Woodland and known colloquially as Butan).

We had dozens of entries to the competition, and all those with 12 correct answers were chucked in the Ed’s hat before one winner was drawn.

We hope to bring you a picture of Amy with all her new goodies next issue – and for those who missed out this time, stay tuned for our next competition!

CAMO COMP WINNER ANNOUNCED


AIRSOFT | NEWS


CASH FOR OLD KITA ‘cash for gold’ style airsoft gun

trader has launched in the UK.

Airsoft Gun Trader bills itself as

‘The only place to sell your airsoft

gun and kit legally’. Users select the

make and model of the gun they wish

to sell. If it has no modifications they

will receive an ‘instant valuation’ – if

not they send it to the company for

valuation.

In future the company will also sell

guns – a statement on the website

says: “We will be launching our

classified sales service.” In future

it will also be possible to buy or sell

airsoft paraphernalia

Airsoft Gun Trader is owned and

operated by the team behind Just

BB Guns, which earlier this year

cancelled plans to exhibit at the

Airsoft Arms Fair.

Earlier this year we reported

that the company had opened

its first retail premises after

gaining UKARA registration.

Visit Airsoft Gun Trader:

www.airsoftguntrader.co.uk

Last issue we ran a competition for one reader to win a VFC/Umarex HK417D. After reviewing all the entries and pulling a winner in the usual fashion we have landed ourselves in a conundrum.

The winner of the VFC HK417D is David Tippen – however David has not left any contact details for us to get in touch (somewhat our fault for not including the usual ‘address and details’ box that’s usually

on our competition pages).As we are incredibly lovely we’ve

decided to print that information here in the hope David sees it. If we have not heard back from David by the time the next issue heads to the printers we will have to pick a new winner (so don’t uncross your fi ngers too soon if you’ve already entered!).

VFC HK417D WINNER

We have just received a copy of the Sniper Pocket Book, the latest release in the Pocket Book series published by Military Pocket Books.

The Sniper Pocket Book is a collaboration between Rupert Godesen and Frank Fletcher. Rupert had previously updated and illustrated the Soldier Pocket Book and supplied both graphics and assistance to Frank, who wrote the book.

As the title suggests, the book is designed to fi t neatly into a pocket, pouch or small enclosure on a Bergen and is absolutely packed with useful information and titbits acquired from many years of practical experience and gained knowledge – like using a car jack to lift the eaves of a building to create a viewing and fi ring aperture.

Although aimed squarely at the real-steel sharpshooter, the Sniper Pocket Book is also a really good source of information for airsoft snipers as all the techniques are as pertinent

to airsoft as they are to those working in the real world.Author Frank Fletcher is a former Colour Sergeant and

Sniper Instructor who served with the Parachute Regiment in Northern Ireland, Macedonia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He now

works for Accuracy International, which manufactures the L115A3 0.338-inch calibre rifl e used by Craig Harrison when he took out two Taliban machine-gunners with consecutive shots at a range of 2,475m.

Frank knows his subject and covers topics which include Stalking, Concealment, Observation, Judging Distance and, of course, Shooting.

The Sniper Pocket Book is produced and published by Military Pocket Books Ltd.

ISBN: 978-1-874528-18-0; Price: £10 (optional PVC book cover: £1)www.milpkbk.com

SNIPER POCKET BOOK

classified sales service.” In future

it will also be possible to buy or sell

airsoft paraphernalia

Airsoft Gun Trader is owned and

operated by the team behind Just

BB Guns, which earlier this year

cancelled plans to exhibit at the

www.airsoftguntrader.co.uk

and details’ box that’s usually


012 December 2012

anything with ‘S’ after it usually means it has

a folding stock such as the AKS-74, AKSU,

SVD-S and so on.

The AKM was developed in the 1950s

and went into active service in 1959. This

remained the main firearm in the Soviet Army

until the 1970s when the AK-74 was born. The

AKM has been seen in countless countries

and is still the main firearm of many armies

today. More recently they have been seen in

the contractor circuit in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The AKMS, which has the underfolding

stock, was developed to make the weapon

more portable when not in active use. This

allowed the weapon to be carried in vehicles

more easily. Today the Russian army almost

exclusively uses the AK-74 platform, but

E very time we look at guns, kit, ammo,

whatever, we are faced with a number

of choices. When it comes to guns

there are several main manufacturers to

choose from. In this player’s opinion, though,

there is only one when it comes to the AK

platform: LCT.

I suppose I should do a little bit of

history on the gun – but let’s face it, it’s

an AK. It’s the most famous gun ever and

we all know it comes from Russia/Soviet

Union. The full designation for this gun is

Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy,

which roughly translates as ‘Kalashnikov’s

Modernised Assault Rifle’. The ‘S’ part

means Skladnoy or ‘folding’ in English. This

is represented in all folding-stocked AKs and

Baz Collins has been a fan of LCT AKs for some time,and jumped at the chance to try its ‘Real Takedown’AKMS, new for 2012

LCT TKMS NV

some elite units (including Alpha and FSB) still

use the odd AKM due to the superior power

of the 7.62mm round over the 74’s 5.45mm.

Now on to the good stuff! LCT has been

on the scene a fair few years now. It is the

OEM for Inokatsu, but LCT branded guns

forgo the massive pricetag associated with

Inokatsus. The first time I heard of them was

at a local CQB site and a guy called Chris had

a very nice AKSU. It was a VFC one but it had

a very unique-looking loop-gripped handguard.

Chris told me it was an LCT handguard – from

then on I went on to own several AKSUs and

bought the LCT handguard for them all!

LCT eventually began putting out full kits for

Marui conversions and, shortly after that, its

own AEGs. For years LCT has produced some

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THE ARMOURY | LCT AKMS

superb AEGs with excellent finishes. Now it

has released its new 2012 ‘Real Takedown’

models – let’s see what’s changed…

I had been waiting on these coming out

for quite some time so when the AKMS (or

TKMS NV, to give it its proper designation)

was available I got my order in straight away.

I have owned around six LCT AEGs in my

time – most recently a couple of 105s and

a standard AKMS, all 2009 models. When I

opened the plain cardboard box adorned with

just a small LCT sticker and a picture of the

AKMS I expected something a little different

but no, same packaging and padding as

before.

Taking it from the box I was happy to feel

the same heft as the previous models. No

“It all goes downhill once these pins are removed. Inside the handguard are several grub screws to separate the

front assembly from the receiver – it shouldn’t be like that!”


014 November 2012

THE ARMOURY | LCT AKMS

CONSTRUCTION: All metal parts stamped steel; polymerWEIGHT: 3,550gLENGTH: 902mm (extended); 661mm (retracted)BATTERY: 7.4v / 8.4v stick type (not included)GEARBOX: V3MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 600-round hi-cap suppliedVELOCITY: ~335fpsPRICE: £250

LCT TKMS NVrattles at all here, LCT guns are absolutely

rock solid. The receiver, barrel, dust cover and

selector – basically everything – is made of

stamped steel. The polymer handguard feels

well made and solid to the touch, as does the

pistol grip. So far so good.

The gearbox is apparently LCT’s own now,

but it looks just the same as the older models

which used a CYMA gearbox. Not that there

is anything wrong with them, but you would

expect a gun with externals like this to have a

cracking gearbox, but it’s just OK.

Now the bit I was most excited about: the

‘Real Takedown’ feature. This basically means

that the gun should come apart like the real

014 December 2012

thing (which uses body pins to separate

parts). There are body pins on the front iron

sight, the gas block and the handguard lock.

Unfortunately, it all goes downhill once these

are removed.

Inside the handguard are several grub

screws to separate the front assembly from

the receiver – it shouldn’t be like that! On

the real version, just below the rear iron

sight (rear sight base), there is a central

body pin – knock that one pin out and the

gun splits apart. On the LCT models this pin

has always been there, but it’s always been

non-functioning – and now on this, the ‘Real

Takedown’ model, it still is!

Don’t get me wrong, the performance or

build quality of this gun aren’t affected by

whether it has ‘Real Takedown’ features –

but don’t say it’s something that it patently

isn’t.

This brings me on to my next (and most

annoying) gripe: the selector positions are

off. Full-auto and semi are too close to

each other, compared to a real AK platform.

This problem has plagued all LCT models

and for whatever reason never been fi xed.

For the purists it’s simply unacceptable.

In the box alongside the gun was a sheet

of paper with an average fps reading,

which is tested at the factory before it

leaves. The reading was between 335-

340fps. I immediately stuck a battery

in (mini tamiya connector as standard),

loaded up the supplied 600-round hi-cap

magazine and put some rounds through

my chrono. The readings were bang on,

averaging the same as the factory read out.

On a 7.4v 25c LiPo this was putting out

a respectable 18 rounds per second – not

too shabby! Out on the range it was hitting

out around the 45m mark at its best. As it

has a V3 geabox it’s very easy to upgrade

this, so if there was anything you wanted it

would be fairly easy to do. My own personal

recommendation would be to get a CNC

‘ProWin’ hop unit. Stick one of these in the

AK and you’ll see a drastic difference.

All in all I am still mega impressed with LCT

guns. As far as AKs go you have Real Sword’s

Type 56 models and VFC’s exceptionally

expensive entries – but I personally fi nd that

the overall feel of the LCT is better than

both. Yes, there are the slight issues with

correct markings and terminology – and it’s

still not ‘Real Takedown’ – but for £250 it is

considerably cheaper than its two main rivals.

I think this alone will be the deciding factor for

a lot of players. You can’t go wrong!



015.indd 7 15/10/12 14:32:42

016 December 2012

NORTHWESTAIRSOFT ALLIANCE

The North West Airsoft Alliance is a new entity in UK airsoft and Iggy

Roberts went along to get the full story

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EVENT REPORT | NWAA

Thick smoke pouring out from two grenades started to engulf the small defensive position that four

of us were manning. A couple of depleted magazines lay discarded at our feet, used up holding back courageous attempts from the many enemies that had tried (and failed) to cross the open ground to take our position.

By now all of our friendly forces (wearing Multicam, MTP, blacks and other camoufl age) had been hit, leaving just us four against the 45-man strong enemy forces wearing DPM camoufl age – and they had ‘constant respawn’!

As they all turned their focus to our position, the pinging of BBs on the tower and waist-high pallet barricades that formed the wall around half of the position was a constant, loud pounding. We continued to hold the enemy back. Our teammate in the tower was returning a strong fi ght – until he had to change battery and was peppered with rounds to his upper torso. We were now down to three.

By the time the smoke cleared the enemy was literally on the other side of the pallet wall. Not a great time to hear the words “Hit!” from one of my remaining teammates and “Last mag!” from the other.

“By the time the smoke cleared the enemy was literally on the

other side of the pallet wall.Not a great time to hear

the words ‘Hit!’ fromone of my remaining

team matesand ‘Last mag!’from the other”

EVENT REPORT | NWAA



018 December 2012

I was down to my last stand 50-round mag when I was taken out by a full-auto burst up the right arm (from the only angle open to view). Our last guy in position held the enemy force at bay for another two minutes, using semi-auto to conserve the ammunition in his last mid-cap magazine. Five guys ran in and after taking three out he was fi nally hit with a single round to the face. He had three shots left before he was completely out of ammunition.

This was my introduction to North West Airsoft Alliance (NWAA). The game was held at Ex-Site near Mold, North Wales.

After the fantastic introduction of skirmishing with so many players on a private site, the rest of the day continued at a similar pace. We played various types of game, from simple attack and defend to search and destroy through forests and over fi elds, with defensive structures dotted everywhere. There are a number of large, steep hills which you fi nd yourself fi ghting up – and in the rain, wind

and slippery muddy ground, it is a tough battle.

Having such a target-rich environment, full of enemies with various levels of airsoft experience, is an enjoyable and worthy challenge for any team. If you’re in the North West, these skirmish events are not to be missed.

Alliance assemblesThe NWAA was formed in summer of this year to bring together six airsoft sites from north west England and north Wales (Ex-Site, Over The Top, Shock and Awe, SWAT, Military Outdoor Adventures, and Delta Team 3).

The idea for the NWAA fi rst came about a few years ago when the owners of Over The Top and Ex-Site decided that, once every few months, one site would take all of its players to the other site for a large game.

The scheme proved a success – for the sites and players involved – and the

“I started the Alliance to keep my site going for the players who have becomegreat friends over the years and stuck

with us through thick and thin”



EVENT REPORT | NWAA

owners of OTT and Ex-Site contacted several other north-west based sites.

Sites in the Alliance benefi t by having players attend game days who otherwise might never have visited. The host site experiences a larger number of players at their site for the game day, meaning more money to invest or just keep going. In this fi nancial climate small sites need all the revenue they can get to survive and not be dwarfed by larger companies.

The NWAA was set up promote the smaller private sites in the area – getting them to work together rather than compete for custom, avoiding a ‘them and us’ attitude from individual airsofters and sites. The concept boosts the number of players attending these smaller private sites and, in turn, generates a very good game day for the customers. There were 120 players booked in for this fi rst Alliance game which, for a private site, is incredible – and shows that players are 100 per cent behind the idea of the NWAA.

The Alliance also gives regular players from each site an opportunity to play somewhere different, and offers a chance for the players to meet new teams and likeminded people that share a passion for airsoft while expanding its presence in the area and protecting our sport. It also gives the opportunity to gain knowledge of tactics and gameplay used by other teams and put their own tactics to the test.

EVENT REPORT | NWAA


020 December 2012

Game prices vary from site to site – but members of the six sites that make up the NWAA can enjoy a discount when they book through their own site. Anyone is welcome but the discount is open to members of one of the Alliance sites only.

The futureI asked John ‘Taffy’ West, owner of Ex–Site, why he set up the group: “I started the Alliance to keep my site going for the players who have become great friends over the years and stuck with us through thick and thin. Many have come and gone but some true friends have been made for life.”

Speaking to a team from the SWAT airsoft site, who call themselves 2SRR (Second Special Reconnaissance Regiment), I was keen to hear what they thought of the fi rst Alliance game – they simply answered, “Hilly, windy and good!”

Mrs Sam Smith from Shock and Awe airsoft site said: “It is the best thing to happen in airsoft in the North West since the invention of the BB!”

Other teams such as the Spartans, (Bangor Airsoft Society, Shock and Awe and the Ex-Site’s home teams were all very satisfi ed with the formation of the NWAA and look forward to future games.

So where does the NWAA go from here?NWAA is playing a few skirmishes this

year but plan to hold further games, run by the six sites, next year. So in effect there will be at least six Alliance games a year minimum, with one game run by each site under the Alliance banner.

They plan to help promote the Alliance as private site owners with players’ interests as a priority. In time they are keen to open the doors to other likeminded site owners but it is early days and, at the moment, they plan to keep to the original six sites.

In terms of game types, Alliance skirmishes are just open days currently but there is a big game next year which will have a real story line to it.Long live the Alliance!

EVENT REPORT | NWAA

CONTACT: 07840 [email protected]

NORTH WEST

AIRSOFT ALLIANCE



021.indd 21 15/10/12 12:19:24

022 December 2012

022.indd 22 15/10/12 12:20:36


SKILLS ROOM | SUPPORT WEAPONS

A s a glossy image in a brochure or

featured in an online video, support

weapons look fantastic. Mean,

menacing, mechanical works of art which

don’t cost much more than a good-quality

AEG carbine yet are capable of laying down

hundreds of BBs – it’s easy to see how

squad automatic weapons (SAW) tempt

players into the role.

When I chat to players, though, many tell

me that they own a support weapon but

that it rarely gets an outing. The surprising

thing about this is that, as far as I can tell,

the reasons given for not using them are

the very reasons you would want to own

one!

The standard complaints are that they

are heavy, unwieldy, uncomfortable to lug

around and diffi cult to target in comparison

to a carbine. However, when you ask how

they were used you start to see where the

problems really stem from. Perhaps too

many players try to emulate the use of a

SAW based on how they’ve seen them

used in the movies or a computer game.

When used correctly support weapons

can be one of the most effective tools

a squad can have at its disposal – and

although the 350fps limit may seem

to level everything out, the SAW can

be used to tip the balance of play in a

skirmish. Despite the Hollywood image

of the support gunner as a knuckle-

dragging meat-head draped with 2,000

rounds of ammo, stubby cigar and a cut-

off t-shirt, in the real world the support

gunner is very much the ‘thinking

rifl eman’. Not only do they need to put

down a constant barrage of fi re, they

need to be aware of the overall tactical

situation while they’re at it. Where and

when it is to be deployed is important,

as is anticipating moves that may be

made by both friendly and opposing

forces. This is also not probably going

to suit those who want to go lone wolf

all the time – squad and support are the

bywords of the gunner’s oath!

Ron Mahoney explains how an airsoft support gunner can be a useful asset to ateam, and outlines some of the best available today

SUPPORT GUNNER

AA_23-26 Skills Support gunner_rev2APNS.indd 23 12/10/12 15:19:35

024 December 2012

But fi rst let’s qualify what we are talking

about – the dedicated Light Machine Gun

(LMG), General Purpose Machine Gun

(GPMG) or SAW. We are not including

AEGs such as M4s or AK74s with a C-Mag,

bipod and vertical foregrip…

In the real steel world a support weapon,

by its very nature, is heavily-engineered,

uncomfortable to carry and slow to target.

Ammunition is heavy and barrels are built to

withstand the stresses of prolonged fi re.

From the earliest Gatling and Maxim

guns to the iconic German MG42 of WWII,

the design of the machine gun had one

thing as its goal: to put as many rounds on

target as quickly as possible.

Notice I didn’t use the word ‘accurately’

in that sentence, as the idea right from

the beginning was to produce an arc of

lead into which anything moves at its peril

(though obviously an arc of plastic is more

relevant to us!).

Another term that developed from

machine gun tactics is ‘beaten zone’, a

concept I fi rst encountered when I dragged

around a GPMG for a couple of years as

a young section gunner back in the day!

In rough terms this describes the highest

and lowest point on an arc that a round will

reach, so from head to toe anyone in the

beaten zone is at risk of being hit.

This is often used in a sustained fi re set-

up, with a number of heavy tripod-mounted

guns creating overlapping arcs and beaten

zones. Not only does the sustained fi re

mode more than double the effective range

of the GPMG, if you see this for real from

half a dozen guns you’ll understand why

nobody would want to move into that killing

zone without 9in of armour around them!

So, lots of incoming fi re keeps

opponents occupied – how do we then

apply this to an airsoft scenario, as both

attackers and defenders?

Attack!As a gunner in an attacking team you really

have one aim: to support your squad as

they move forward into the assault by

keeping the enemies’ heads down. If you

combine the points above you can see

that even BBs can create their own Beaten

Zone – it is just a case of walking rounds

onto the target as far as you possibly can.

Even a .2g BB fi red at 350fps and angled

at about 30° can get out to 70-80 yards and

still have enough energy for a recognisable

hit. Combine this with a high rate of fi re and

you have a plastic shower of BBs on the

enemy position.




“The design of the machine gun had one thing as its goal: to put as many rounds on target as quickly as possible”

You could achieve the same from a

carbine, but if the enemy knows that it is a

SAW raining on their parade (especially with

a large box mag) they won’t be expecting it

to let up any time soon.

Defend!As a defender, manning a gun is all about

working on the enemy’s most probable

course of action: what’s their main line of

approach? Where are they most likely to

assault from? Work out your arcs of fi re and

make the use of the available ground and

cover you have. Using our beaten zone we

can work out the maximum range we can

pump rounds out to and slow down the

enemy assault.

I remember covering a likely enemy

approach to a fi xed defensive position

consisting of trenches and bunkers. We

were on a raised area with a good drop

down to a narrow river. I set the gun

to cover a small stone bridge across

the river and fi red some ranging shots

towards the choke point some 50 yards

away. I was happy to see the BBs

pinging off the stones and splashing into

the river, but by angling the gun up I was

reaching out to the tree line a good 20

yards further out.

A small team of attackers soon emerged

and tried to cross the bridge. I let them

come out from the trees and reach the

bridge before opening up and sending the

fi rst few back like they were on a conveyor

belt. I kept up a sustained rate of fi re and

the attacking team soon realised this was

a non-starter and gave the crossing a miss.

Job done – they only took a couple of hits

perhaps but the SAW created the effect I

had wanted.

So you can see how a SAW could be

used to good effect on the airsoft battlefi eld

– so let’s take a look at what’s available to

the aspiring support gunner.

M249Probably the most common support

weapon on the airsoft fi eld is the M249 and

its derivatives (LMG, Mk46, MINIMI, M249

PARA).

It’s a fairly lightweight 5.56mm SAW that

is equally popular in the real-steel world.

It’s fed by box magazine or hi-cap, adding

to its versatility. Several airsoft models

exist, from around £300-£550 depending on

make and model. They weigh in at around

the 6.5kg mark which is fairly mid-range in

that respect.

L86A2-LSWThe LSW is an odd choice of support

weapon – it seems lessons learnt with the

Bren gun during WW2 didn’t register with

those that planned this system. It’s just too

damn accurate! Add to that a limited supply

of ammunition (30-round magazine-fed) and

an inability to change barrels and really it is

just an L85 on steroids.

In the airsoft world the LSW has two

main advantages over other SAWs: it takes


026 December 2012

standard M4-style high-cap mags and

weighs in at a manageable 5kg. Expect to

pay anything from £370-£450 for a decent

model.

FN MAGDesigned by the famous Belgian

manufacturer Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal

(FN), the FN MAG is known in British

infantry terms as the L7 General Purpose

Machine Gun and in the US as M240.

Although designed in the early 1950’s the

FN MAG keeps being re-invented

Recently there have been a number of

airsoft versions launched (we reviewed the

Echo 1 version earlier this year) though I’ve

only seen one, a vehicle mounted version,

in actual use. Possibly two factors for this:

cost – expect to pay anything above £700 –

wallet by) in the airsoft M60 range. Expect

to pay from £350 for the Mk43 Mod 0, with

only a measly 6kg to lug about, right up to

the stratosphere of £1,000+ and 15kg for

the Inokatsu versions.

I recently sent my Mk43 in for a

reinforcing job on some of the wiring to

the box magazine. When I went to pick it

up from John at Raptor Airsoft (my AEG

‘airsmith’) he had an M60 VN, the iconic

Vietnam-era model. Now we’ve all heard

that size doesn’t matter, but this was one

of the few cases in my life where that

statement has been borne out! This airsoft

replica was an absolute beast, and it would

take some serious stamina to skirmish

with it.

Russian AK-style support weaponsRPK-47 and RPK-74 are fairly common in

the fi eld and if you are into your Soviet

classics then these support weapons will

be right up your street. They come with a

1,000-round hi-cap magazine as standard

and after-market drum magazines can be

fi tted to take that capacity to around 3,000

rounds.

Most of the models are constructed

from stamped metal bodies with real

wood furniture so it’s pretty easy to

age them a bit for a more realistic look

if that’s important to you. They are only

about a kilogram heavier than a standard

AK carbine, so comparatively easy to lug

around all day, and they are pretty light on

the wallet too with versions starting from

around the £250 mark.

Many of the Russian SAWs are pretty

good with all brands of BB, which has to

be a consideration – the support gunner

can easily go through 6,000 rounds in an

average day, and that isn’t just sitting there

with your fi nger welded to the trigger.

I know there are a few other replicas

out there – Steyr, Heckler & Koch

and Stoner come to mind – and we’ll

continue to review them as they come

into Airsoft Action. I think we’ve provided

a good overview of what the capability

of the airsoft SAW is.

The support gunner can be a crucial

member of the squad but it takes

physical endurance, tactical awareness

and good communication. Without these

things the SAW is just a chunk of metal

with a bipod, and the only hole it leaves

is a big one in your wallet.

and weight, around 12kg. That said people

pay this sort of money for high end (and

heavyweight) sniper rifl es like the M200

and I know what I’d fi nd more useful in the

fi eld, so hopefully more manufacturers will

jump on the L7/M240 bandwagon.

M60/MK43There isn’t that much new in the world of

the belt fed support weapon; the M60 has

been around just as long as the FN MAG.

It is no coincidence that the M60 bears

more than a passing resemblance to the

German support weapons of WW2, as

when development began in the late 1940s

both the FG42 and the MG42 (the infamous

‘buzz saw’) were used as design blueprints.

There’s a lot of choice as to how much

you want to lug around (and lighten your




027.indd 27 15/10/12 12:21:29

028 December 2012

GUNS AND GEAR

This month we highlight some of our old favourites, and introduceyou to something exciting we’ve got our hands on

Our standard choice for springer shotguns at the AA offi ce, the Franchi SAS-12 three-burst is available in both full size and short specs (pictured here is the Short). At around 1.5kg it is very light and its diminutive length makes it perfect for close-quarters urban action. Spring power is ideal for shotguns as it allows a consistent velocity (around 260-280fps) and makes for an extremely reliable weapon. The shotgun takes ASG’s realistic-looking shotgun shells, which can be loaded with 30 BBs. The gun fi res three rounds at a time, meaning 10 shots from a single shell. The only downside is having to keep track of your shells – but that’s all part of the fun! Affordable, reliable and very effective, whether it’s those end-of-the-day pistol/shottie games on your local woodland site or a full day at your CQB venue of choice.PRICE: £50ASG: www.actionsportgames.com

FRANCHI SAS-12 SHORT

Another of our favourite bits of kit, the Blackhawk Engineered Fit V-Neck is part of the Warrior Wear range from Blackhawk. It’s designed to

regulate body temperature, wick moisture, control odour and dry quickly – so it’s perfect for airsofting outdoors whatever time of year, and an ideal base layer in the colder months. You’re recommended to get a size smaller than you would normally wear for the Engineered Fit, meaning a skin-tight, no-movement fit which stops friction-related hot spots and helps reduce muscle fatigue. Available in black, foliage and coyote (pictured) in sizes S-3XLPRICE: £30HEINNIE HAYNES: 033 0300 0400, www.heinnie.com

BLACKHAWK ENGINEERED

FIT SHORT SLEEVE V-NECK

Check local retailers for availability

AA_028-029 Kit Bag_rev2APNS.indd 28 15/10/12 13:17:48


KIT BAG | GUNS ‘N’ GEAR

We’ve borrowed one of Arktis’ Special Forces smocks for a review in a future article, but first let us introduce the Arktis Basic Smocks. Intended primarily for warmer climate use (rather than extreme cold environments), the smock is a rugged and extremely well-made bit of kit made from 50/50 cloth exclusively for Arktis. It weighs just 1.4kg and is available in a host of colours or patterns, and is shown here in the Digital NL print (right). The Basic Smock features a wired avalanche hood with both drawstring and Velcro adjustment, two large zippered chest pockets, two hip pockets and left-hand notebook pocket. While the Basic isn’t waterproof, Arktis has a full range of smocks including its Waterproof Smock (shown here in Tundra print below) which features a waterproof dropliner inner and internal chest pocket. Available in sizes S-2XL.

PRICE: Basic: £95;WATERPROOF: £175ARKTIS: 01392 201614, www.arktisltd.co.uk

ARKTIS BASIC SMOCK / WATERPROOF SMOCK

AA_028-029 Kit Bag_rev2APNS.indd 29 15/10/12 13:18:01

030 December 2012

Roberto ‘Tenchu’ Lopez reports from Iron Man 3,Spain’s hardcore national airsoft event

T he valleys, rivers and mountains

of the entire Morcin Council

has hosted the third MRA Iron

Man, the Spanish national airsoft event.

Almost traditionally, the players’ physical

and mental endurance are put to the test

each year in incredible environments and

enviable playing conditions.

Our team could not deny the call of

our Astur brothers and we sent the two

available guys, Shinobi and Tenchu, to

fi ercely defend the role of Recon patrol

behind the enemy lines, the eyes and ears

of our army.

We arrived at the Morcin sport centre

and were invited (in the ‘sweet’ Marines

way) to equip ourselves quickly to be

deployed to the southwest of the loved

(and hated) Mount Monsacro (1,054m).

From the point of insertion we have to

move towards the mount and recognise

possible transport paths, looking for clues

about the leader of a local drug gang, Pablo

Dolorosa and his accomplices.

Night falls quickly – for our mini-unit

to fi nd Dolorosa’s hidden main camp on

unknown terrain seems very diffi cult.

Thanks to our good work we should be

invisible to the eyes of guerrilla patrols (this

country has everything in), though this

depends on the two combat squadrons:

Barcelona’s Renegade Airsoft and Airsoft

Bilbao Team. Both will have good focus after

being infi ltrated into the game area.

Finding good information on these teams

is an important task so we got moving past

the fi rst hill. Eventually we came to a point

that we could locate ourselves on the map

and work out the best route to follow.

Suddenly we saw two vans pass in the

far distance and travel down one of the

routes we were studying. From a distance

I could see the crew inside were very ugly:

clearly the enemy. This gave us a starting

point – we turned on a stopwatch to time

the transport in case it returned, so we

could have some idea about the distance at

which the packages were delivered.

Once the van was out of sight we

started up the hill after it, silently following

a parallel path, outside the passage of

vehicles and unpleasant surprises. Along

the way we found an empty settlement,

ideal for a camp area. We logged this as a

way point in our GPS. (Later this settlement

would be identifi ed as a guerilla base

and attacked by one of our squads.) We

continued on another 200m.

The sun is low and visibility is poor when

we see an enemy patrol heading in our

direction. We take up defensive positions in

the scrub – the plan is not to ambush, we

need to avoid contact at this point.

Fortunately, the column of a dozen or

so guys passes directly past us; we barely

dare to breathe and it takes a moment for

our heart rates to drop. From our vantage

point we can tell the patrol is heading for

the empty settlement 200m down the

road. We now know we are in a good area

to observe. We decided to hold ground –

we will meet our comrades here.

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Roberto ‘Tenchu’ Lopezreports from Iron Man 3

Spain’s hardcorenational airsoft event

AA_30-34 Iron Man III_rev2APNS.indd 30 12/10/12 15:25:14


FILMSIM | GUNMAN AIRSOFT

Mission impossibleOver the next hour the enemy transport

unloaded two more patrols in front of us.

Once we sure things had settled down we

began moving important information to the

Commander so the rest of our comrades

could be directed. We are motivated for

the fi ght but must fi rst try and contact our

units to receive further instructions. The fog

rises, visibility drops to nothing – the task

seems impossible, we are several hours in

game and begin to despair.

Unhelpfully at this time the orbayu (a light

but continuous Asturian rain) begins and,

combined with the confusion of fog and

darkness, we almost walk straight into an

enemy ambush. No more than 5m away a

voice shouts; we drop to kneeling position,

trying to remain calm and silent. We ignore

the shout and slowly withdraw the way we

came. (Later we found that the ambush

was an enemy patrol – but they were not

certain either so didn’t open fi re.) Incredibly

we all survived such a close encounter and

continued along a different path.

After a short while we found a milestone

marked with chemical lights. We can

recognise the area on the map but are

unable to coordinate an allied meeting, so

now we decide it is time to move downhill

and be daring. Every shadow and plant

EVENT REPORT | SPANISH MILSIM


In Asturian folklore, the trasgus is a mischievous elf. It is small and has a limp in its right leg, further accentuated by its long stride. It dresses in a red cap, with a suit of the same colour. It has horns, a tail and a hole in its hand. To dismiss one you must give it grain, which escapes through the hole in its hand, or an impossible task – the shame of failure will cause it to leave. In Asturias they are usually blamed for upsets to the livestock which have no apparent reason, or when objects simply disappear from the face of earth.

TRASGUS

the drop was much more than we thought).

Here we feel safe enough to test the IR

strobe – and discover it has, in fact, been

turned off for a long time. It seems the

paranoia had got to Tenchu!

There is half an hour until dawn – 30

minutes to relax. Despite our waterproof

ponchos we are soaked from lying on the

wet ground. Fortunately we are certain no

human could have followed us (though the

tireless goblin will remain…).

As the fi rst slivers of sunlight pierce the

fog we fi nally receive new orders from HQ.

From the information we had gathered,

and from those of other friendly patrols,

dogs. There are moments of extreme

tension as we try to communicate once

again with HQ, or attempt to use our

torches or GPS devices to determine

our exact location. It is hard to express

but it was torturous – we were heavily

outnumbered and the slightest mistake

could see us all taken out.

And if the constantly roving sentries

weren’t problem enough, we all know that

at night in Asturias the Trasgus come out

to play...

The Trasgus (the Asturian equivalent of

goblins) do exist! They greatly enjoy teasing

the gullible and testing their senses. They

are the whispers, creaks and footsteps

when no one is around; they are the

feeling there’s someone behind you, the

unmistakable feeling of someone too close

for comfort.

In these delicate moments the brain

tries desperately to defend itself with

logic, but you can’t help the paranoia. We

are more used to the sounds of the cities

and the natural noises of the forest sound

alien. These are my thoughts when I hear:

“Shinobi, did we turn off the infrared

strobe?”

Oh my god, the enemy can see us if they

use their IR glasses! We have to move.

With painful slowness we move 10m even

further down, lying among the ferns at the

edge of a cliff (we discovered at dawn that

becomes a cause for concern in such

conditions; cows and wild horses are aimed

at before being identifi ed (none were shot,

though we did learn later that another patrol

of players had been chased by a bull they

surprised).

At the bottom of the hill is a large

building under construction with heavy

machinery dotted about. Again we

locate ourselves on the map and take a

few minutes to relax and regain some

momentum. We must not fail our people!

Hide and seekWhile trying to get into this area an enemy

transport vehicle unexpectedly arrives at a

crossroad ahead of us and we quickly hide

among the trees. Instinctively we move,

taking up a better position 30m from the

building – good job, too, as fi ve minutes

later there is a hornet’s nest of activity.

Lights fl ash, people are searching the area.

We didn’t know what was going on…

perhaps we aren’t supposed to be here…

Sentries pass by us several times as

we lie in the gutter – so close I worry the

pounding of my heart will give us away!

Soon we hear a fi erce fi refi ght begin

further up the hill – it was Airsoft Bilbao,

‘visiting’ the fi rst settlement we passed by

several hours ago.

Meanwhile we felt like wanted fugitives.

All that was missing was the barking of

032 November 2012



www.airsoftactionmagazine.com 033

“We felt like wanted fugitives.All that was missing was

the barking of dogs.There are moments

of extreme tension aswe try to communicatewith HQ, or determine

our exact locationon the map”


034


December 2012

the location of the drug baron has been

confi rmed – he is holed up in the ‘Hotel’.

We climb up to the road; there are

a few guards roving but no sign of the

activity that sent us scurrying for cover. We

crossed the road, remaining undetected,

and keep going until we reach higher, more

defensible ground. We can hear enemy

sentries in the distance. They have done

well to defend the area.

We arrived early; we must wait for the

two other teams who are several hundred

meters up the mountain and attack

together as the enemy takes up assault

positions. We pass the time in a bush,

soaking and shivering.

Suddenly we hear the unexpected

sounds of combat. We could not get there

in time (apparently HQ could not radio

orders to us, our comms were offl ine) but

we did manage to recover an allied agent

who had escaped. Finally we made contact

with HQ, and were evacuated.

Final missionAt about 8.30am, after 12 hours in

game, we have two fi nal challenges to

complete. Again we are deployed up the

mountain.

First we must defend a communication

antenna. We have barely taken up

position when the fi rst enemy assault is

launched. Our team is sharp and we repel

wave after wave; the enemy assaults

slow, and after several hours of almost

relentless attacks they eventually stop

altogether.

Our very fi nal mission is to attack the

Cheese Museum, inside the Morcin

Village. We cross the river in an attempt

to surprise the defenders. Carefully we

wipe out the advance guards before we

are seen. Together with our allied teams

we storm through the village – the enemy

was not expecting such numbers and we

easily beat the defence aside to capture

the museum.

Then, at 2.30pm, our team’s story is

complete. Our third Iron Man is complete.

We return to the sport centre to meet the

other teams and share war stories from

another very testing, exciting game.

Iron Man is by invitation only, so

our thanks and gratitude go to Marine

Recon Asturias for our third invite to

this fantastic event that gives us the

opportunity to prove ourselves, and to

meet great people and players (both

alongside us and in front of us!).

We were very pleased to fi ght

alongside Barcelona Renegados Team for

our fi rst joint mission, which we hope is

not the last one.

Airsoft Bilbao Team is possibly the

best Spanish team and it is diffi cult to

add more positive comments! Those

guys lasted out another two hours

in the mountain destroying guerilla

encampments – they are extremely tough

and it is always a pleasure to share a

playground with them!

It is fi tting to fi nish with a word about

the MRA Team – as Shinobi said: “You

have great country here!” It is very

enjoyable for us to play in green country,

already we want to go back – I will return

to take care of that goblin, if nothing else!

It only remains to thank the Morcin

Council for its incredible collaboration.

As I understand it from Roberto, the local Council gives permission for (and actively promotes) this event, which takes place in Morcin (in the Principality of Asturias), Spain.The Council not only endorses the event – it is actively involved and, as you can see from Roberto’s report, players don’t have to skulk off into the hills around the town: the game involves active buildings within the town itself.Makes you think, doesn’t it?

ED’S NOTE

Organised by Marine Recon Asturias team, belonging to the Spanish Airsoft Federation events circuit.Game area: The entire terrain of Morcin Council (see Ed’s note)

IM is not an event for the faint hearted. Only the best teams are invited to attend. Players must be fit, prepared to work with maps and ropes and able to play day and night in an assigned role.In IM1 and IM2, more than 60 per cent of players abandoned the game. Only three teams have participated in all editions and actually finished the game each time.Tenchu and Shinobi proudly represented Airsoft Special Group, the official team of ICS: www.airsoftspecialgroup.com

IRON MAN III


In Asturian folklore, the trasgus is a mischievous elf. It is small and has a limp in its right leg, further accentuated by its long stride. It dresses in a red cap, with a suit of the same colour. It has horns, a tail and a hole in its hand. To dismiss one you must give it grain, which escapes through the hole in its hand, or an impossible task – the shame of failure will cause it to leave. In Asturias they are usually blamed for upsets to the livestock which have no apparent reason, or when objects simply disappear from the face of earth.

TRASGUS

the drop was much more than we thought).

Here we feel safe enough to test the IR

strobe – and discover it has, in fact, been

turned off for a long time. It seems the

paranoia had got to Tenchu!

There is half an hour until dawn – 30

minutes to relax. Despite our waterproof

ponchos we are soaked from lying on the

wet ground. Fortunately we are certain no

human could have followed us (though the

tireless goblin will remain…).

As the fi rst slivers of sunlight pierce the

fog we fi nally receive new orders from HQ.

From the information we had gathered,

and from those of other friendly patrols,

dogs. There are moments of extreme

tension as we try to communicate once

again with HQ, or attempt to use our

torches or GPS devices to determine

our exact location. It is hard to express

but it was torturous – we were heavily

outnumbered and the slightest mistake

could see us all taken out.

And if the constantly roving sentries

weren’t problem enough, we all know that

at night in Asturias the Trasgus come out

to play...

The Trasgus (the Asturian equivalent of

goblins) do exist! They greatly enjoy teasing

the gullible and testing their senses. They

are the whispers, creaks and footsteps

when no one is around; they are the

feeling there’s someone behind you, the

unmistakable feeling of someone too close

for comfort.

In these delicate moments the brain

tries desperately to defend itself with

logic, but you can’t help the paranoia. We

are more used to the sounds of the cities

and the natural noises of the forest sound

alien. These are my thoughts when I hear:

“Shinobi, did we turn off the infrared

strobe?”

Oh my god, the enemy can see us if they

use their IR glasses! We have to move.

With painful slowness we move 10m even

further down, lying among the ferns at the

edge of a cliff (we discovered at dawn that

becomes a cause for concern in such

conditions; cows and wild horses are aimed

at before being identifi ed (none were shot,

though we did learn later that another patrol

of players had been chased by a bull they

surprised).

At the bottom of the hill is a large

building under construction with heavy

machinery dotted about. Again we

locate ourselves on the map and take a

few minutes to relax and regain some

momentum. We must not fail our people!

Hide and seekWhile trying to get into this area an enemy

transport vehicle unexpectedly arrives at a

crossroad ahead of us and we quickly hide

among the trees. Instinctively we move,

taking up a better position 30m from the

building – good job, too, as fi ve minutes

later there is a hornet’s nest of activity.

Lights fl ash, people are searching the area.

We didn’t know what was going on…

perhaps we aren’t supposed to be here…

Sentries pass by us several times as

we lie in the gutter – so close I worry the

pounding of my heart will give us away!

Soon we hear a fi erce fi refi ght begin

further up the hill – it was Airsoft Bilbao,

‘visiting’ the fi rst settlement we passed by

several hours ago.

Meanwhile we felt like wanted fugitives.

All that was missing was the barking of

032 December 2012



035.indd 35 15/10/12 12:22:29

036 December 2012

Available to download nowfor iPad and iPhone

Full Page for allDONT FUCK UP THE LAYERS.indd 1 15/10/12 17:36:56036.indd 36 16/10/12 09:30:37

BIG BOYZ TOYZ | MTBS


MOTOR TORPEDO BOATS

This summer’s been nothing short of a wash out, so I thought it would be appropriate to take a nautical theme

for this month’s Big Boyz Toyz. During WWII the motor torpedo boat was thrust to the frontlines of battle, but since then has been virtually forgotten, overshadowed by bigger aircraft carriers, battleships and submarines. Their history stretches back to before WWI, and all the major players had MTBs or an equivalent in fairly sizable numbers.

For this feature I will be taking a look particularly at the MTBs of the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy as well as Patrol Torpedo (PT) Boats of the US Navy.

HistoryThe British navy began developing ‘fast attack boats’ prior to the outbreak of WWI. Dubbed ‘Coastal Motor Boats’ these early production versions were particularly small at 11-15 tons displacement. Italian Motoscafo Armato Silurante (MAS) boats were slightly larger at around 20-30 tons displacement, and proved

very effective: MAS-15 is the only torpedo boat in history to sink a battleship, the Austro-Hungarian Szent Istvan in 1918.

At around the same time the American Navy was experimenting with similar vessels, constructing early PT boats with displacement hulls.

The inter-war years saw massive development of these vessels on all sides. The requirements were an engineering challenge: a high-speed boat that can carry out ambushes on enemy shipping and operate at night, with high manoeuvrability on the water at low speeds to keep down noise and produce no wake. The idea was to get them in close without being detected to allow them to launch torpedoes before making their escape. To keep the weight down they were virtually unarmoured; they relied on high speeds, agility and the element of surprise.

UK and USABoats built with the ‘MTB’ designation varied substantially. The first, in 1930, was 55ft long and could travel at speeds up to 40 knots (it

Ratty returns in a nautical frame of mind

actually carried the designation ‘MTV 4’). It was armed with two torpedoes, two anti-aircraft guns and four depth charges and a contemporary article noted ‘A dozen … cost less to build than one large destroyer.’

The British Power Boat Company built a number of MTBs, loosely based on the company’s rescue boat. These could carry two torpedoes and had a maximum speed of 33 knots. The Royal Navy ordered 18 in 1936 which entered service as MTB 1-12 and MTB 14-29 (with tensions rising around the world, these boats were often painted with different numbers and photographed, to give any possible aggressor the impression that the Navy had more boats than they actually did).

However, the most well known manufacturer of MTBs was Vosper. Vosper developed a 68ft ‘private venture boat’ in 1936. Completed and launched in 1937, she entered service as MTB 102. Powered by three 57 litre petrol engines giving 3,300hp, MTB 102 was the fastest British wartime vessel, able to reach speeds up to 48 knots (although a top speed of 43 knots was more


AA_037-039 BBT_rev2APNS.indd 37 15/10/12 14:56:12

038 December 2012

likely when fully bombed up). Carrying 12 men, armed with two torpedoes, a number of depth charges and decked out with heavy machine guns, MTB 102 was a formidable vessel.

Wartime productionVosper also produced a 70ft MTB which entered service in 1940. Early versions had a top speed of 37 knots and were fitted with two torpedo tubes, four depth charges, two .50cal machine guns two .303 machineguns.

Two more Vosper designs were developed in 1943 and 1945. The Type 1 could hit speeds up to 40 knots and had a range of 470 nautical miles (870km). Heavily armed with four torpedo tubes as well as the usual compliment of an Oerlikon 20mm cannon and heavy machineguns, these carried a crew of 13.

The Type II design remained in use after the end of WWII, and featured fewer torpedo tubes but an additional QF 6-pdr anti-tank gun and two 20mm Oerlikon cannons.

All British MTBs were operated by British Coastal Forces and, besides attacking enemy boats off the coast of the UK, they were used




in notable operations including the Dunkirk evacuation, St Nazaire Raid and Operation Neptune.

The Royal Canadian Navy used up-armed motor gun boats, re-designated as MTBs, to engage enemy craft.

In the United States there were four main companies building MTBs, or PTs as they were known, all making their own designs in various sizes. Unlike the British boats built for operations around the coast of UK and Europe, American PT boats would see their working life fighting the Japanese. Nearly all these vessels were built using planing hulls, the same type as you find on power boats. The sizes varied quite dramatically, with displacement between 30-75 tons , but were still capable of speeds between 35-40 knots. They were heavily armed; some were even modified for specific tasks and fitted with rocket launchers, mortars, and 40mm Bofors guns.

A popular in-theatre modification was to fit 37mm Oldsmobile M4 aircraft cannon taken from crashed fighter aircraft. They were designed to attack larger surface vessels and were nicknamed ‘Mosquito

Fleet’. The Japanese had another name for them though: Devil boats! They attacked all manner of Japanese surface boats, from armoured barges used as inter-island supply vessels to much larger supply ships – and it wasn’t unusual for them to attack Japanese destroyers!

Of the 531 PT boats that served during WWII, 99 were lost to various causes.

Post-WWIIAlmost all surviving US PT boats were disposed of shortly after Japan’s surrender in late August 1945. Hundreds of boats were deliberately stripped of all useful equipment, dragged up on beaches and burned.

In the UK, MTB numbers were considerably slashed and were re-designated as Fast Patrol Boats. The remaining vessels continued service well into the 1950s. The last pair of ‘Brave’ Class boats were capable of speeds up to 50 knots; they were eventually retired from service in 1958.

British MTBs that weren’t kept in service were stripped of armaments, and the empty hulls were sold off as the basis for houseboat conversions. Two Vosper boats of note

survive – the first is in fairly good condition at Portsmouth. The second, used as a private residence, is floating on a canal north of London.

In the US, a total of 11 PT boats and two experimental PT boat hulls survive in various states of repair.

For saleA couple of MTBs are up for sale in the UK. MTB/MGB-45 ‘Asco’ was originally built for the Royal Norwegian Navy but requisitioned by the Royal Navy in 1940. She served at RNAS Arbroath and has had a total restoration – for sale at the reasonable price of £120,000!

Check out www.worldwartwoboats.com.When embarking on this article, I failed

to realise how influential these boats were. Their role in the war is overlooked, and the heroism of the crews forgotten. For me it’s another reminder that when you see some of these ‘old boys’ on various parades or on Remembrance Day, it is worth taking a bit of time to talk to them – you never know what they’ve seen and the stories they might have to tell…

“Powered by three 57 litre petrol engines giving 3,300hp,MTB 102 was the fastest British wartime vessel, able toreach speeds up to 48 knots (although a top speed of 43knots was more likely when fully bombed up)”


040 December 2012

quality is much better than on the initial

models. In my personal arsenal you’ll find

a WE 3.8 Baby Hi-Capa, a WE MEU and an

M16 VN open-bolt – so you could say I’m

a bit of a fan.

Real-steel historyIn 1958, Soviet think-tanks were

specifically looking to develop a sniper

rifle and a specification was put out for a

long range squad support weapon. It was

believed that long engagement ranges

would be lost on normal fighting troops

who were all equipped with sub-machine

guns and the new assault rifle, which

were all geared up for short and medium

ranges.

There were three designs in the

running, but it was the SVD-137,

submitted by Yevgeny Dragunov, that

won out. After extensive field testing in

a wide variety of conditions, Dragunov’s

A fter a bit of a break from reviews

I was chomping at the bit to have

something that was a little bit

different but also, perhaps, a bit iconic…

Then this arrived on my doorstep! Upon

opening the package I realised it would

probably tick all those boxes.

The WE ACE VD is based upon the

infamous Dragunov SVD sniper rifle, which

has been around for many years. WE has

been specialising in and making gas blow

back rifles and pistols for some time.

While some of its products back in the

early days were best described as hit or

miss, its more recent offerings have been

quite the opposite.

Since the introduction of the WE GBB

open-bolt system its rifles have been so

much more reliable and useable, as well

as being ultra-realistic. Many of its pistols

have been revamped, as gas technology

got better, so the general finish and build

After a few weeks away Ratty was hungry to get his teeth into something.Did this Dragunov lookalike satisfy his appetite?

WE AcE VD GBBdesign was accepted into service in 1963.

An initial batch of 200 pre-production

models was built for evaluation with serial

production (at Izmash) starting in 1964.

Since then the Dragunov has seen action

on many battlefields around the world and,

apart from a few updates (ABS stock and

furniture), it remains basically the same as

the original design.

From Vietnam and Afghanistan through

the Balkans conflicts, to more recent

actions like Libya and Syria, the Dragunov

has been used in anger, proving itself a

world class sniper rifle and reliable in all

manner of environments.

OverviewGas sniper rifles have always been a

nightmare. What with variation in the

weather, cool down and general shooting

inconsistencies, they have had a fairly

bad rep in the past. Has WE managed

AA_40-43 Rifle_rev2APNS.indd 40 12/10/12 15:32:05


The Armoury | We ACe VD

to overcome these and make a reliable,

open-bolt gas sniper rifle that can combine

realism and reliability? Only one way to

find out…

On opening the box I was faced

with a rather unimpressive plastic bag

protecting the gun and two smaller bags

of accessories – the cheek riser and the

speed loading tools.

The first thing that struck me was the

enormity of the gun. It is a sniper rifle and

therefore long is good, but at 122cm this

is truly a beast. To put into perspective

the Vietnam Mk1 M16 is 99cm, the L96

Accuracy International of the British Army

is 114cm and the M700 is 116cm. It is

reassuringly weighty, with a very solid

feel to the back end of the gun. The wood

stock and furniture have been covered in

a plastic-like coating to give a varnished

wood grain look. It is a little on the shiny

side and the foregrip furniture, although

“Unlike any airsoft gun I have ever firedbefore you can actually un-chamber a round!

I don’t know if it is a design flaw, ‘innovation’ or just anoversight but it is a pleasant feature nonetheless”


042 November 2012

solid in place, does have a little flex. The

coating creaks like plastic (I actually dug

a knife into it to confirm it was wood and

not plastic).

Fixing the magazine and dry firing the

gun is a treat. The mag has a metal outer

and very sturdy, although it requires a

certain technique to fit (familiar to all

AK users), so make sure you familiarise

yourself with this before trying to ram

it home. Once fitted there is very little

movement, and then only when forced.

Cocking the action feels pretty similar

to the RS version and with the magazine

out and the action left to spring forwards,

it even has a similar tone. The working

parts will remain at the rear on an empty

magazine and there is no release catch so

the magazine must be removed and the

cocking handle re-cocked to release it. To

counter this, there is a nifty little catch on

the rear of the magazine that holds the

spring follower just below the bolt, so the

gun will dry fire until you are out of gas

instead of locking open.

On testOn the day I tested this rifle the ambient

temperature was 15°C, although the

wind was bitter. I used Blaster Devil

0.20g ammo and ASG Ultrair green gas,

and a Madbull Revolution version 2.1

chronograph.

The following test was conducted

straight out of the box: no lube, no service,

no nothing! The average velocity from 10

shots was 409fps, but the last two shots

showed a drastic decrease in power.

042 December 2012



The Armoury | We ACe VD

CONSTRUCTION: Aluminium; real wood furnitureLENGTH: 1,220mmWEIGHT: 3,300gPOWER SOURCE: Green gas (blowback)MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 21 roundsVELOCITY: ~400fpsPRICE: Around £430CONTACT: Badger Tac01296 658600, www.badgertac.com

WE ACE VD GBB

Out-the-box velocityRounds 1-3: 486fpsRounds 4-8: 475fpsRound 9: 381fpsRound 10: 345fps

I removed the mag and checked the

release valve. It was still fi rm, indicating I

still had at least some gas in the magazine.

I quickly refi tted it, cocked the weapon

and carried on while it was still cold to the

touch.

The next eight rounds varied between

272fps and 346fps. I let the gun, magazine

and bottle of gas rest in the offi ce and

come up to room temperature while I

sorted out a suitable target, then took

the gun back outside to test range and a

confi rmatory chrono.

– but did adjust the hop-up during this

process.

Every round went the distance – I am a

little ashamed to say that I only landed six

on target but the other 14 were certainly

close enough to prove I was at fault and

not the hardware.

It was during this phase I made two

discoveries. Firstly, the hop is a treat to

adjust – stiff enough to not move unless

I wanted it to, yet easy enough to move

when I did, and accessible through the

ejection port.

Second, unlike any airsoft gun I have

ever fi red before you can actually un-

chamber a round! I don’t know if it is

a design fl aw, ‘innovation’ or just an

oversight but it is a pleasant feature

nonetheless. Simply twist the gun over

to the side (bolt down) and elevate the

barrel a little, just like you would with a

real weapon. Pull the action back and more

often than not the round falls to the fl oor.

A couple of times it needed a shake, like

trying to get stubborn sauce from the

bottle, but it was repeatable time and time

again, offering a very nice safety factor as

you are not left with a chambered round.

SummaryAll in all, this is a very impressive gun –

more so than I was expecting. I am not a

fan of the faux fi nish on the wood but it is

a nice solid gun with many RS similarities

– and I have heard on the grapevine

that there will be synthetic furniture

fi nishes available shortly. It is easy to use,

impressive out of the box and I have no

doubt it could be made even better.

As many of you will know I have a shop

rammed full of various guns, and I am not

keen on sniping but if I was asked to take

up the role on an event this is what I would

roll with – if only for the fun factor.

Room temperature velocityRound 1: 424fpsRound 2: 385fpsRound 3: 412fpsRound 4: 366fpsRound 5: 376fpsRound 6: 371fpsRound 7: 393fpsRound 8: 386fpsRound 9: 385fpsRound 10: 371fps

Now for the repeatable accuracy test –

although this was more for my information

than any real scientifi c study! The target

was a cardboard cut-out of a human body

approximately 5ft 8in tall, out in the open

at a measured distance of 53m (173ft). I

was fi ring in the wind with un-zeroed sights


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046 December 2012

046.indd 46 15/10/12 12:23:37

DEBATE | MAG CAPACITY


You won’t last 10 minutes on an airsoft forum without coming across the all-important question: What’s the best

type of airsoft magazine?Obviously we’re not talking about the

printed sort (you’re reading the best one now). Magazines for airsoft weapons are usually available in three capacities: high capacity (hi-caps) that hold 300-plus rounds; middle capacity (mid-caps) that hold around 80-120 rounds; and real capacity (low-caps) which emulate the weapon’s real-steel magazine and usually hold no more than 30 rounds.

Over the last few years the airsoft scene has seen a rise in the number of sites and events that limit the amount of ammo that can be carried, or the type of mag you can use. In these cases you’ve got no choice, but when you’ve got to make a call between high- or low-caps some players go for the middle ground.

So, is a skirmisher better off with just one or two hi-cap mags, a pouch full of mid-caps or a dozen or more low-cap magazines?

Highs and lowsFor many, the wind-on 300-round high-capacity magazine is the standard. If your gun comes with a mag there’s a very good chance it will be a hi-cap. For players starting out and on a budget it’s the cheap option, allowing you to carry at least a game’s worth of ammo in one go.

But over the years the hi-cap mag has developed something of a stigma. Some players – whether you call them ‘elitist’ or ‘realists’ – sneer at hi-cap users, believing them less skilled or experienced players. But surely this isn’t always the case?

We asked dozens of players, both new and veteran, for their views on magazine capacity. Some responses were repeated time after time.

A few favoured low-cap and mid-cap magazines for the ‘realism’ factor and liked their load-carrying kit to hold as many mags as a real soldier. But a surprisingly large amount preferred lower-cap magazines primarily for their reliability (there’s no clockwork to be over- or under-wound, meaning smoother ammo feed) and the lack of a ‘maraca’ effect caused by loose BBs rattling about.

Some cherish the challenge that low- and mid-caps provide, as they are forced to pick their targets and reserve auto fire for really hairy situations – again much like real world soldiers.

But many others players feel that hardcore realism is best left to MilSim events – for those that enjoy massive amounts of firepower, high-speed play and a high-cap mag go hand in hand. Sometimes you just want to have fun on a Sunday skirmish and if you only need two clipped-together G36 mags to last through each battle what’s the point of carrying a vest full of mags and giving yourself a hernia?

On the flipside, though, some players we asked believed high-cap users are generally ‘spray and pray’ players – lacking finesse, tactics and skill. Quite a few of the more experienced players remembered being hosed down by ‘overkill’ bursts from a 600-round AK mag and felt it ruined their airsoft experience.

Each to their own – at the end of the day, its airsoft; play the game the way you want to play it!So how do you play?

CAPACITY FOR DEBATEHi-caps, mid-capsor low-caps? GarethHarvey delves into thecontroversial debate

HAVE YOUR SAYGot an opinion on the magazine

capacity debate? Got an idea for

a future topic? Get in touch –

letters can be sent to the address

on page 4 or emailed to:

[email protected].

READER RESPONSES“For MilSim, mid-caps are the

way forwards; reloading under

fire in those moments when

you’re not sure how much is left

in the magazine is all part of the

experience! But for the spray and

pray skirmish, the high-cap has a

place in everyone’s kitbag” – Stacey, skirmisher and marshal

“I’m a student and can’t afford a

plate carrier covered in kit, I use a

couple of high-cap mags but I don’t

take the micky; I tend to fire short

bursts to conserve ammo” – Chris, Sheffield

“Low- or mid-caps all the way. They

put players on a level playing field

and have the added challenge of

practising quick mag changes while

in a contact and having to resort to

a sidearm when things get really

tight” – Jamie, Worcester

“In short games or if you’re playing,

for the sake of argument, special

forces in a themed event, low-cap is

better. Otherwise, I think high-cap is

fine, especially if you’re in a spray-

and-pray rebel/renegade faction, but

I think for the majority of people it

depends on affordability” – Carrie, Leeds

AA_47 Debate_rev2AP.indd 47 15/10/12 13:13:19

048 December 2012

AIRSOFTABROAD

When thinking of places in the world to go for a game of airsoft, Brazil might not rank

high on many players’ lists. In recent years the country’s attitude to airsoft has begun to change though, thanks to the Brazillian Federação Paulista Desportiva de Airsoft (FPDA).

On the practical side of things Brazil presents some challenges compared to the countries we have previously looked at in our Airsoft Abroad feature. Direct flights cost anything between £500-£700, and

it’s entirely possible to spend 24 hours travelling from the UK to Brazil. Portuguese is the official language throughout Brazil and while it is mandatory for students to learn a second language you could still face some language difficulties.

But if you persevere you will find some of the most exciting airsoft action on the planet. Brazil’s unique landscape has seen a number of popular jungle sites spring up around the country, along with varied CQB venues. Many of these game sites are shared with paintball organisations.

BRAZILAirsoft is a young but growing sport in Brazil,and Dean Anton explains why it’s an idealdestination for the travelling ‘softer

The lawThe most recent legislation affecting airsoft came into effect in 2010. The FPDA was subsequently set up to represent airsoft as a legitimate sport. The FPDA wants airsofters recognised as legitimate sportsmen, and to that end works hard to improve the public perception of the activity and distance legitimate airsofters from criminals who use replica weapons.

Much of the law affecting airsoft will sound familiar to UK players, but there are some very important differences. Firstly,

AA_48-50 Abroad Brazil_rev2AP.indd 48 15/10/12 16:26:35

AIRSOFT ABROAD | BRAZIL


“At the discretion of game organisers, single-shot sniper rifles may be allowed up to 500fps with a 5 per cent tolerance”

any gas weapons a player owns have to be registered with the army like any other firearm, and listed on a registration certificate. To avoid any trouble we advise UK players to leave their gas-powered weapons at home in favour of AEGs.

Getting your airsoft gun out in public will most likely result in you being arrested or shot by military police. When travelling to a game site all weapons must by law be kept in a closed box in the boot and separate from ammunition. A red or orange flashhider must be fitted during transportation.

Wearing a uniform that is in use by any of Brazil’s armed forces or auxiliary forces (including the military police) is a big no-no – as is wearing or displaying any symbols related to fascist, segregationist organisations. Laser sights and ‘large telescopes’ are forbidden – we’re not sure how they define a ‘large’ telescope, but as always recommend you err on the safe side.

The beautiful gameVelocity limits in Brazil are pretty similar to those in the UK. The muzzle velocity of all

types of airsoft weapon is limited to 400fps with a 5 per cent tolerance (using 0.2g BBs). At the discretion of game organisers, single-shot sniper rifles may be allowed up to 500fps with a 5 per cent tolerance. During practical pistol events muzzle velocity is rarely policed as it cannot present a danger to players or spectators.

There are three main types of airsoft in Brazil: practical pistol (known as ‘force on force’), skirmish and mission.

Force on force games generally aim to prepare players for the complexities of


050 December 2012

unrest’ – lone wolf players whose only goal is to cause havoc for the teams in play.

The third, most complex and largely most difficult game type is known as ‘Mission’, and comparable to MilSim. Missions are designed to test the skills players develop in the easier game types. Each team is given a task beyond simply eliminating the opposition. Missions are generally played in a much larger area with many players and last for several hours.

The cost to play a day’s airsoft in Brazil roughly translates to about £11 – but a bag of 4,000 BBs can set you back as much as £25, so be aware.

In Brazil, popular manufacturers of airsoft guns include Classic Army, KWA and ICS (and WE and TM for pistols). The classic

combat they might face in more difficult games. Employing weapons and skills realistically is a big part of it, and some organisations require uniformity among a team – all teammates wearing current BDUs and using weapons of the American forces in the Iraq War, for example.

In Brazil, a skirmish will see two or more teams put head-to-head. The main aim is to eliminate as many opposition players in the shortest time possible. Generally there are no other goals in a game of this type – simply rack up the highest kill count without being eliminated. Just to spice things up organisers will sometimes add ‘elements of

AIRSOFT ABROAD | BRAZIL

designs are still most popular in Brazil – M4s, AK47s and MP5s are rife on the game fields (as they are over here), with 1911s, G17s and M92s the most oft-seen handguns. The Airsoft Innovations Tornado grenades are also widely used in Brazil.

All of this goes to reinforce the idea we’ve tried to get across in each of our Airsoft Abroad features to date – that wherever you go in the world, the game and the players are pretty darn similar. One of the best resources we’ve found is www.airsoftbrasil.com and its forums. As always, do your research and get in touch with players and organisations before you travel. If you’re looking for an exciting new airsoft challenge – and have a fair bit of spare cash burning a hole in your pocket – then Brazil is undoubtedly a top destination.

“Missions are designed to test the skills players develop in the easier game types”



051.indd 51 15/10/12 16:59:05

052 December 2012

Baz Collins is fi nally tempted to try a Resident Evil inspired FilmSim at the Wargames Centre

I have always preferred the MilSim

style of play – mid-caps, tactics,

proper team camos, the whole

lot. I’ve never bothered with FilmSim/

themed events based on games or

fantasy – it’s just not my thing. But I

was fi nally talked into a Resident Evil

inspired survival-horror game at the

Wargames Centre, Ayrshire, and I was

stunned.

Ardeer (as we regulars call the site) is

a CQB venue within a large factory. The

inside is done up to look like a street

with multiple buildings, cars, vans and

even a bus. Back in the May 12 issue

I reviewed a standard walk-on day at

Ardeer, but this event could hardly have

been more different.

Obviously, as it was a Resi themed

game, it was held at night. We arrived at

7pm with the game kicking off at 8pm.

There were two teams: Umbrella Corp,

wearing camo; and the Special Tactics

and Rescue Service wearing civvies. An

ammo limit of 500 rounds included both

main rifl e and sidearm.

Game onIt wasn’t until I sat down to load my

mags that I noticed the music playing

through the PA. After a moment I

recognised it as the ‘house theme’ from

Resident Evil 1 which sent chills down

my spine – I hate that song!

The game brief covered all the usual

points, though it was all done on a

laptop with a very fl ashy powerpoint

set up with rules and maps of the site/

game areas.

The fi rst game of the night would

see the Umbrella team secure its evac

point. We had been told there were

some ‘changes’ to the site – doors

closed, routes blocked, that kind of

thing. I have played Ardeer regularly

ARDEERRESIDENTEVIL

AA_052-054 Resident Evil_rev2APNS.indd 52 12/10/12 15:34:24


EVENT REPORT | RESIDENT EVIL

since the day it opened, so I was

shocked when we entered a corridor

from the Safe Zone that I had never

seen before. I was out of my element.

The corridor was very narrow and

illuminated by one fl ashing light – very

reminiscent of Laser Quest – and the

horrifying Resident Evil theme playing

throughout made this a very tense

opener to the night.

As we approached the end there was

a door slightly ajar. We all knew there

was a zombie on the other side – it’s

a zombie-themed game after all. How

wrong we were…

FILMSIM | RESIDENT EVIL

As we fi led up the corridor we had

all failed to spot a small cubbyhole in

the wall. Needless to say that, when

the zombie chose his moment to

strike the middle of the line, there

was an outburst of ‘manly’ screaming.

If I could write obscenities in this

review I’d fi ll a paragraph with them

to describe that fi rst encounter!

Evil residentsAfter the fi rst zombie scare the

team broke out into the street.

Massive tarp barriers had been

draped across streets, forcing

was an outburst of ‘manly’ screaming.


Stevenston, Ayrshire KA20 3LNThe Wargames Centre runs several themed games, as well as weekly evening walk-ons and monthly walk-on gamesPRICESZOMBIE SURVIVAL EVENTS: £30REGULAR WALK-ON: £20RIFLE HIRE: £25 (includes AEG, facemask and 3,000 BBs)CONTACT:www.wargamescentre.com,08456 434326

THE WARGAMES CENTRE

after trying this, I doubt I’ll be playing

any ‘standard’ MilSims any time soon.

I’m hooked!

I can’t recommend this enough; it

was without doubt one of the most

enjoyable game days I’ve ever been to.

The Wargames Centre really knows what

it’s doing here, as the guys there have

been running themed FilmSim games

for a while now – Resident Evil is one

of the biggest but they have also run

several Terminator games and an Alien

Vs Predator game. Get along if you can –

I promise you won’t be disappointed!

this in this game and were bitten you

had to play the entire night as a zombie!

Fortunately no one was bitten, but

the sound of shrieks followed by rapid

footsteps was all too common! This

game was heavy as it involved both

teams fi ghting over the upstairs area

which changed hands several times.

End-exThe next game had STARS in

possession of the Nemesis project – a

huge coffi n-like container. Their job was

simple: keep it away from Umbrella!

This game was the longest and lasted

for well over an hour.

The Umbrella guys couldn’t fi nd the

container and lost the game. Right

at the end the eerie music changed:

the last 20 seconds of the game

were marked by a very loud smash

followed by a massive guttural scream –

Nemesis had awoken.

At that point the game ended and so

did the evening. I was a wreck, physically

and mentally drained. This has to be one

of the most intense styles of play out

there. From the outside looking in I never

thought for a second FilmSim games

would be like this – and in all honesty,

players to fi nd alternate routes and

funneling us into pitch black rooms. I

had played here hundreds of times, yet

changes like this meant I was just as

disadvantaged as the newer players.

In true Resident Evil style there was

an unreal amount of locked doors we

came across that we had to fi nd keys for.

There were even points where we had to

fi nd keys to access other keys! I was all

over the place. Usually I’m a rather sound

player but the dark, the music and a very

tactical group of zombies made me want

to throw down my gun, re-familiarise

myself with the foetal position and cry

myself to my happy place!

Some fi ve minutes after we entered

the STARS team was released – and

sure as fate, fi ve minutes later we

heard the manly screams echoing from

the entrance corridor. They would be

on us all too soon so we set up a rear

guard while searching for the keys to

the evac point. This lasted around 45

minutes and was very, very intense.

What a way to start off the night!

The next game saw the Umbrella

team searching for an antidote to the

T-Virus, which they had to inoculate

themselves against. If you didn’t fi nd

054 December 2012

FILMSIM | RESIDENT EVIL

“Usually I’m a rather sound player but the dark, the music and a very tactical group of zombies made me want to throw down my gun, re-familiarise myself with the foetal position and cry myself to my happy place!”



055.indd 55 15/10/12 17:32:59

056 December 2012

056.indd 56 15/10/12 12:37:43

THE ARMOURY | SNOW WOLF M24



First impressionsThe M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS)

is the US Army version of the Remington

700 rifl e, introduced to replace the M21 (a

sniper variant of the M14 rifl e). While it was

intended to replace the M21 outright that

never happened entirely. Instead, each model

proved useful in a variety of conditions even in

modern day theatres. Using the ever-popular

7.62mm NATO round it packs a good punch,

giving great accuracy over a long distance. At

over 5kg it is heavy, and the airsoft version

attempts to mimic this heft.

Externally it does not appear to be anything

overly exciting, with a fairly standard rifl e

stock and bolt action design. It is not until you

shoulder it that you feel and enjoy the rifl e’s

design. A slightly textured fi nish is just begging

for a spray job of some sorts – but then I have

issues with black sharpshooter rifl es for airsoft

– and then you notice the weight! It is nearly

Snow Wolf is one of the many

Chinese ‘All China Made’ brands

– low-cost rifl es boasting big

stats, but well known (like most of the

Chinese brands) for the occasional ‘Friday

afternoon’ production run. Missing parts,

poor performance and broken guns are all

pretty common when dealing with ACM

companies.

The M24 is a nearly-exact copy of the

Classic Army version released many years

ago. The CA version was nice in every

aspect, but only produced around 300fps

out of the box, as it was leaning more

toward the Japanese market. This meant

you had to drop another £250 on bringing

the power up to skirmishable levels and

the rifl e only cost around £250 to start

with. Parts made by Laylax from Japan

were the best but came with a hefty price

tag.

A heavyweight full-power sniper rifl e package that doesn’t break thebank – it almost sounds too good to be true. Scott Allan investigates


M24 SWS

A Harris-style bipod and 3-9x40 scope are included with the rifl e

AA_57-59 Scot t A Rifle_rev2APNS.indd 57 12/10/12 15:38:34

058 December 2012

as meaty as the real version, but very usable

still.

The butt is adjustable by 70mm, so you can

get it just right regardless of your size. The

3-9x40mm scope gives a clear sight picture

and is one of the most common styles found

on sharpshooter rifles today. The bipod is

a replica of the Harris bipod and provides a

sturdy support should you need it. Everything

that should be metal is metal, and the stock is

a thick polymer. The version I reviewed even

came with a silencer adaptor as standard – this

is shaping up to be sickeningly good value.

The initial chronograph reading was nothing

short of a jaw-dropping 490fps after one shot!

That is 190fps more than the Classic Army

version. It should also be mentioned that the

Classic Army version doesn’t come with extras

such as the scope, bipod or silencer adapter. If

you are waiting for the inevitable ‘Yes, but…’

you are not to be disappointed – there is one,

but not in the way you think. This version

is over £60 cheaper than the bog-standard

Classic Army version, yet packs in more

power, a scope, a bipod and a silencer adapter

for around £180. Crazy! You can see why the

ACM companies do so well.

‘But what about that Friday afternoon gun

thing you mentioned?’

Well that is the roll of the dice, if you will.

I have seen hundreds, maybe thousands of

ACM rifles over the years. A few years back I

saw a batch of Thompson M1A1s that were all

either completely dead or producing anywhere

between 300-470fps. Quality assurance is an

optional extra that the ACM companies opted

not to go for, unlike Magpul PTS or Real Sword

which check every single rifle they ship.

The plus sideThink about it: they are technically very simple

rifles and if parts need to be swapped out you

could probably do it yourself, or buy locally

or in the UK. At least then you have some

backup and support from whoever sells it to

you. Most UK companies test rifles before

shipping, which means someone has looked it




CONSTRUCTION: Aluminium; polymer bodyWEIGHT: 3,500gLENGTH: 1,130mmPOWER SOURCE: SpringMAGAZINE: 18 roundVELOCITY: ~490fpsPRICE: £180 (including silencer adaptor, bipod and 3-9x40 scope)Available from Landwarrior Airsoft0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

SNOW WOLF M24

over quickly and it should all be good for you.

Obviously it is not going to be zeroed though!

It is undoubtedly a handsome package for

the pricetag. Many of the internal parts share

their design with the APS2/L96, so it will take

some upgrade parts that are available – but not

all of them, so it’s best to check before tearing

the guts out.

While testing in game conditions I removed

the bipod after a while, but I have never got

on with bipods very well so that could just be

me. With the bipod off the front end was

considerably lighter and more manoeuvrable,

particularly when lying prone in long grass.

The scope is clear, although in low-light or

dense woodland you may want to consider a

50mm scope.

All of my shots easily hit out to 65m with

0.40g BBs, although we did have to play with

the hop to get enough pressure. The action

was nice and smooth and the adjustable butt

plate was more useful than I expected.

If you are looking to do the occasional bit

of sniping you could not go wrong with this

package. Even if you want to take it up as your

primary role I would urge you to consider this

rifl e. For under £200 you have a full-powered

complete package which, with a little bit of fi ne

tuning (and a spray job) will see you happily

picking your targets all day long.

“Everything that should be metal is metal and the stock is a thick polymer. The version I reviewed even came with a silencer adaptor as standard – this is shaping up to be sickeningly good value”


060 December 2012

H yde Definition was founded in 2008 by Dominic Hyde. Today it is the only British company

designing camouflage patterns that operates internationally.

Besides the successful PenCott family of patterns, Dominic has designed more than 2,000 camouflage patterns for clothing and gear, vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, buildings and structures.

The PenCott family includes GreenZone for verdant terrain, Badlands for semi-arid terrain, Sandstorm for arid terrain, and Snowdrift for snowy landscapes. A pattern for operations in low-light urban terrain called Metropolis is also in the pipeline.

PenCott patterns are now in use with a growing number of police tactical teams, military special operations forces and civilian enthusiasts.

The original PenCott pattern for verdant terrain, GreenZone, was first trial-launched on a very limited scale in the UK in late 2009. it wasn’t until summer 2010, however, that the company found Duro Industries, a fabric printer that could help take the PenCott family of camouflage patterns to full-scale production across a wide range of clothing and gear fabrics (including both civilian and military-spec fabrics). All of the PenCott patterns are printed at Duro’s facilities in Fall River, Massachusetts.

GREAT BRITISH CAMOUFLAGEWe’ve seen PenCott camo patterns in these pages before, and this monthLawrence Holsworth tells us about the British company behind them

Early daysPenCott is named after two influential WWII British camouflage experts, Sir Roland Penrose and Hugh Cott. Penrose and Cott differed radically in their approach toward camouflage; Penrose, an artist, used his training and design talents to produce ‘artistic’ camouflage schemes through a process of trial and error. Cott, on the other hand, felt that camouflage was essentially a scientific process, and effective schemes could be developed without the need for artistic training by studying examples of camouflage in nature.

Camouflage prevents the observer detecting or recognising the wearer – and a

AA_60-62 Inside Airsoft PenCott_rev2APNS.indd 60 15/10/12 15:56:04


split-second reduction in detection can quite literally mean the difference between life and death. Hyde Definition aims to provide the most effective multi-environment camouflage schemes possible.

Back in 2005 Dominic reached the conclusion that there were serious problems with existing camouflage patterns:

Woodland camouflage schemes were too dark for all other types of terrain or environments (and even many woodland environments)

Desert camouflage schemes are often just a hastily recoloured version of a woodland scheme, and often a sub-standard match for many types of desert

Universal and ‘all-terrain’ camouflage schemes are often such a compromise that they are ineffective in many environments

Mismatched patterns on clothing and individual equipment

Many new ‘pixelated’ camouflage patterns are simply following a fashion trend and not well-researched or terrain-matched

Dominic set about re-examining the problem with an innovative design, rather than an imitative approach. Hyde Definition looked at the challenges of concealment from many different angles: natural camouflage of living creatures, recent design and market trends, and a look back at effective historical patterns to identify key elements that work particularly well.

Painstaking processThe PenCott pattern went through several hundred iterations, trialling more than two dozen samples in natural environments.

INSIDE AIRSOFT | HYDE DEFINITION


062 December 2012

It conceals more effectively at all typical engagement distances

It conceals more effectively at much closer distances than other patterns

It conceals more effectively in multiple environments and terrains

It looks far more ‘natural’ than other pixilated digital patterns

PenCott patterns have been tested and proven by users in the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. They are in use with a growing number of special law enforcement teams in Europe, the Americas and Asia. It has even been reported that some US and Coalition Special Forces units have been using the Badlands variant in Afghanistan.

Creating an entirely new and effective concealment pattern from scratch was a painstaking task.

What came out of this entirely independent and self-funded research was a ground-breaking, natural-looking, hybrid digital pattern.

It uses a complex mixture of blending and disrupting techniques to more effectively conceal the wearer. The resulting PenCott Multi-Environment Camoufl age pattern family shares common fractal-based, multi-scalar pattern geometry with separate, colour-optimised environmental variations.

The benefi ts of PenCott can be simply stated as:

INSIDE AIRSOFT | HYDE DEFINITION

There are now many manufacturers of tactical clothing and kit that have added PenCott to their range. Many of these manufacturers deal direct with special operations forces so their choice of the PenCott patterns makes a statement in itself.

You can fi nd a list of gear and clothing makers and retailers specialising in PenCott on the Hyde Defi nition website. Airsoft Action can personally recommend SpecOpShop (www.specopshop.com), which supplied kit in PenCott Greenzone pattern for our British Shooting Show competition earlier this year.VISIT: www.hydedefi nition.com

WHERE TO GET IT

The PenCott Snowdrift pattern in action



063.indd 63 15/10/12 12:39:33

064 December 2012

Special Forces the world over attract a certain level of attention and respect from the general public.

They create an aura – an air of mystery which is often beneficial to them. The SAS is one our best known ‘brands’, and I know of at least two sieges that were brought to a speedy conclusion by the negotiators mentioning that The Regiment was on its way if discussions failed!

But do they deserve it and what exactly makes them so special?

They can’t all fly helicopters, fight like Bruce Lee or charm the chicks like James Bond does. They do a very specific type of work requiring a particular cocktail of patience, stamina and explosive violence which (thankfully) is not common in most people – ‘a bunch of misfits that just happen to fit together’.

We’ve all seen the pictures of exotic weapons being held by blokes with black boxes for faces and thought to ourselves ‘Wow, I wonder what it must be like?’

WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?

What kind of guy is he, and what makes their outfit better than any other? If weapons and anonymity made the guys special everyone would be doing it.

An army unit is not a building, nor is it a garage full of cool looking vehicles bristling with gadgets and gizmos that would make Jason Bourne jealous, or an armoury full of weapons… OK yes it is, but it’s not just that, there’s more to it. There’s the heart of the unit.

A unit is a collection of individuals – team players that play well together but are happy to work alone and can motivate themselves when it gets tough. That’s the first part of the heart – the second is the ethos on which it was founded. In the case of our SAS it was the four tenets that David Stirling devised in his hospital bed in Cairo: The unrelenting pursuit of excellence; Humour and humility; Self discipline; Classlessness.

So you bring the right kind of men together and you bind them to a common

goal and shared ideals – and then of course you give them the Gucci kit and cool stuff to do, but that’s just icing on the cake!

What really sets them apart is that they take pride in doing a job to the best of their ability, sometimes at huge sacrifice, and occasionally the ultimate sacrifice. Their reward is the regard and respect they receive from their comrades, men like them in whose company they are proud to serve.

They’re not all from the same mould but they do share a common set of values: they have something in common that makes them all tick. I once read that ‘Techniques can be taught and almost anyone can learn them, but qualities are born in us.’

WeaponsUnlike the rest of us who select weapons because we think they look cool (let’s be honest here) SF units will choose a specific weapon because it performs well and

Billy Basics ponders the question: do SpecialForces really deserve to be called ‘special’?

AA_64-66 Billy B_rev2APNS.indd 64 15/10/12 15:02:22


SKILLS ROOM | SPECIAL FORCES


reliably in certain circumstances – short barrels for working in tight spots and vehicles and long barrels with big calibre for distances and punch. The HK MP5 suited the SAS very well for its counter terrorism role in the 1970s and 1980s and Heckler & Koch has the Regiment to thank for its subsequent success and worldwide reputation. It has since been replaced by other weapon systems though, because the Regiment’s needs have changed.

The American M16 with its 5.56 mm round was favoured for years over the heavier SLR with its 7.62 mm round. The lads could carry more ammunition, and of course in the days of marching huge distances over the worst terrain known to man and having a big scrap at the end of it, that was really important. Nowadays the guys are driven to the target area or ‘land on’ in choppers; the enemy know they’re coming and they want the man-stopping power of the 7.62 round for obvious reasons.

“I once read that ‘Techniques can betaught and almost anyone can learn

them, but qualities are born in us’”

VehiclesSF units choose vehicles the same way they chose weapons – for a specific job or role – but every now and again they’ll go a little ‘off-piste’ and invent something new if they can’t find exactly what they want (alright if your name is James Dyson, but a little trickier for the rest of us).

The Pink Panther or old Land Rover WMIK was coming to the end of its useful life and a successor was needed. So a couple of the boys phoned the guys over at Supacat and went over to see them. They sat down with pencils and paper and designed the Supacat MV, which became the Jackal we see so much in Afghanistan.


066 December 2012

They needed a mobility platform that could not only carry a shed load of ammunition and supplies and protect the occupants from IED strikes, but could also lift the vehicle to a height of 1m, to clear major obstacles. There was nothing on the shelf so they built it – as they say, close enough is not good enough.

TacticsThere’s no room in this small article to cover tactics used by SF, but through training and selection they are able to punch well above their weight.

Special Forces soldiers are trained to use absolutely everything to defeat the enemy, from night vision equipment to the weather, from surprise and audacity to physical fitness.

They’ve even employed psychologists to determine the best time of the day to attack. You think I’m joking? Why do you think the British Army always seems to attack at 03:00? Because that’s when the human brain is at its lowest ebb and, in its natural state, will most likely be shut down and sleeping.

SelectionOf course, what we know SF best for is the harsh process of selecting their men. It’s tough and brutal, and rightly so. There’s an awful lot of running about, sleep deprivation, cold, wet, misery et al.

But the process also has to change and adapt to reflect the capabilities of the young men and women submitting themselves to it. The claim that it’s become easy just isn’t true – it’s equally hard now as it was back in the day. It’s just that, due to the modern day society in general, we’re not as tough now as we were 50 years ago, so it has to adapt and bend with

SKILLS ROOM | SPECIAL FORCES

the population or nobody will get in. As you can imagine that is a controversial subject, and one I won’t get into here.

Now I don’t want to get all Yoda on you but within each of us there’s the opportunity to achieve great things and to be special, regardless of age or fitness, and most of it is in the mind.

Some guys in civvy street are lucky: they just happen to be very fit, single (or with an understanding partner), have a flexible employer and are so dedicated and single-minded they attempt and pass selection for the TA SAS.

They’re no different to you reading this: they all thought to themselves, ‘Could I really do it?’ We’ll I don’t know, but neither will you until you try. The hardest thing will be picking up the phone, the rest is a walk in the park… followed by a few cold, wet strolls in the hills, at night with a giant Bergen…

So, do Special Forces deserve to be called ‘special’? Damn right they do, but they are no more special than any of you could be – if you really want it, that is.

There is a saying in Portugal: ‘Change yourself and fortune will change with you’. If you emulate some of the dedication, attention to detail and creativity of SF men and women you too could bring some of the SF spirit into your life. That’d be pretty cool wouldn’t it?Billy (Yoda) out.



067.indd 67 15/10/12 18:00:29

068 December 2012

The gas blowback Marushin M1 Carbine has been around for some time. They are still available in both

6mm and 8mm variants and are extremely realistic, but the older gas system technology can suffer the usual problems encountered on gas blowback rifl es.

The introduction of CO2 to the airsoft scene should, in theory, ensure newer products don’t suffer from cooldown and make them more consistent. So when I got the chance to test the CO2 version of this iconic rifl e I jumped at the chance.

Real-steel lifeThe M1 carbine was introduced to add another string to the bow of the M1 Garand, but was widely considered underpowered as it didn’t have the range or stopping power of the Garand.

The fi rst M1 carbines were delivered in mid-1942 and while it was never intended to serve as an alternative to more powerful assault rifl es as it used the smaller .30 cartridge, it was soon issued widely to American troops.

During WWII its reputation on the frontline was varied. It was praised for its small size and weight combined with decent fi repower,

M1 CARBINE CDX CO2Has CO2 power improved Marushin’s updated M1Carbine? Ratty inspects…



THE ARMOURY | MARUSHIN M1 CARBINE

“I spoke to a couple of guys who already own one of theseCO2 M1 carbines and they do tell a different story – one was

running a consistent 400fps. Now that is more like it!”

but later reports suggest it was very prone to jamming and unable to lay down sufficient suppressing fire. It fared better in the jungle warfare of the Pacific Theatre, where its small size and weight were true advantages. From 1943 the British SAS also used the M1 carbine.

The M1 carbine and other variants saw further action during the Korean War (though the M2 carbine was more common among the US troops). During this period the M1

carbine gained a widespread reputation for jamming in cold weather conditions.

Despite this it was again issued to US forces during the Vietnam War, though by the early 1960s they were being gradually replaced by the M16 and M16A1. By the late 1960s they were effectively out of service, though limited numbers remained in use until the fall of Saigon. Almost 800,000 M1 and M2 carbines were given to the South Vietnamese forces during the war.

The M1/M2/M3 carbines were the most heavily produced family of US military weapons for several decades, used by every branch of the US Armed Forces. The M1 carbine specifically has been sold to more than 50 countries – the Royal Ulster Constabulary used M1 carbines until the mid-1990s and military, police and security forces around the world continue to use this infamous rifle. If you like your period-specific FilmSim then this is one versatile rifle.


070 November 2012

CONSTRUCTION: Full metal/woodWEIGHT: 2,000gLENGTH: 910mmPOWER SOURCE: 12g CO2 capsuleMAGAZINE CAPACITY: 15 roundsFIRE SELECT: Semi onlyVELOCITY: ~400fpsPRICE: Around £300

MARUSHIN M1

Marushin M1 Carbine CDX C02 This model arrived in a snug polystyrene lower in a simple brown cardboard box and was very well protected during transit. It is lighter than I was expecting from a gun with real wood furniture – this is thanks to the use of modern alloys for the metal components of the gun. That is no bad thing if you plan on running around with it all day, and as you will see from the pictures the wood is rather nice (if a little shiny).

The 15-round magazine is a weighty little thing. It holds a single CO2 capsule, inserted from the base. A special tool, supplied with the gun, is required to unscrew the fi tting and is very easy to operate.

Straight from the box, with no fettling or adjustments, I loaded an Umarex CO2 capsule into the magazine and fi lled it with Blaster Devil 0.20g BBs. I then headed to the range armed with my trusty Madbull Revolution V2.1 chrono.

First impressions? Well, readings varied between 191-241fps – so fi rst impressions are pretty poor!

I emptied the CO2 cartridge, getting to around the 50-shot mark before there was a noticeable difference in the tone of the gun and the laboured recoil of the working parts.

070 December 2012

CARBINE CDX CO2

THE ARMOURY | MARUSHIN M1 CARBINE

Japan has stricter gun laws than most, including airsoft restrictions, and granted the Marushin is a Japanese product – but despite that I felt it was far too low-powered. Not only that it was too inconsistent from shot to shot and, as this is CO2-powered, conventional wisdom suggests it wouldn’t be as badly affected by the cold as GBBs are.

Having put another couple of mags through it I revisited the chrono. Results were still not what I was expecting: lowest was 192fps with a peak of 229fps.

It was at this point I started to wonder if I have been accidentally sent a gun that had been destined for the domestic Japanese market, instead of one of the export versions. I won’t bore you with the details; suffi ce to say the next morning’s chrono tests showed a marginal improvement on the previous ones with a ballpark average of 220fps, though there was still wild variation between shots.

SummaryThis gun is a true double-edged sword. It is beautiful and realistic, it feels great, has a lovely action and is well fi nished – but at the same time it has a limited magazine capacity and, as it stands, is grossly underpowered

for a typical walk-on day. At the time of writing I am awaiting confi rmation of whether this is the export spec or if I have in fact been sent a Japanese version by mistake. I spoke to a couple of guys who already own one of these CO2 M1 carbines and they do tell a different story – one was running a consistent 400fps. Now that is more like it! I think I may have got a ‘Saki break’ gun in this instance.

Before splashing out, check with your favourite retailer what velocity readings they’ve been getting. If the fps problem is indeed a one-off then this rifl e would make a great addition to any WWII, Korean War or Vietnam War load-out.


COLD WAR WARRIOR | WEST GERMANY


WEST GERMANPANZER

GRENADIER

After being accepted into NATO, the WestGerman panzer grenadiers quickly become

experts in mechanised combat. GadgeHarvey explores the load-out

In the years before the outbreak of WWII the Germans had explored the potential of equipping their infantry with armoured

vehicles. They wanted something capable of crossing rough terrain and keeping up with a rapid tank advance.

British trials in the 1930s had seen exercises conducted with all mechanised and armoured combined armed forces – but while the British quickly shelved this idea as unpractical the Germans quickly latched onto the concept. They developed powerful panzer grenadier (armoured infantry) formations equipped with excellent, highly-mobile half-tracks.

While for some time post-war Germany was not even allowed an army, let alone armoured vehicles, eventually the West realised a need to re-arm Germany to help safeguard against a Soviet invasion. The Federal Republic of West Germany (FRG) was accepted into NATO in 1949.

West German insistence on guarding every single square foot of German soil and giving no ground to the Russians – rather than withdrawing to more suitable defensive positions – forced NATO into a complicated defensive posture, but luckily the new German army, or Bundeswehr, was up to the challenge.

Early West German uniforms and combat equipment went through several changes

and dead ends – initially surplus supplies of WWII material were used, alongside an early camoufl age combat uniform. Many of Germany’s new allies were uncomfortable seeing her armed again – and the heavily camoufl aged Germans reminded some member states a little too much of the excesses of the Waffen SS, so a new uniform was implemented.

“The 1970s panzer grenadieressentially wore a slightly updated

version of an ancient webbingdesign – it was inadequate in WWII,and hopelessly obsolete by this point”

AA_71-73 CWW_rev2APNS.indd 71 15/10/12 13:22:18

072 December 2012

Armoured vehiclesAs well as the new uniform (which we will look at in detail) the FRG was also responsible for an excellent new armoured vehicle, the Marder. Designed from the ground up as a dedicated infantry fi ghting vehicle, the Marder was one of the fi rst Western vehicles of its kind (the Soviets had introduced the BMP a few years earlier) and set the pattern for all NATO mechanised infrantry combat vehicles. Now the infantry team could fi ght as easily from within the vehicle as they could dismounted, despite the environment of chemical threat.

Able to carry a three-man crew and fully-equipped seven-man panzer grenadier squad, the Marder 1 also sported a quick-fi ring 20mm auto cannon and a remote controlled Mg3 machine gun facing the rear. As well as considerable armour plate the occupants were protected by an NBC overpressure system

to keep contaminants out of the vehicle, and infrared blocking smoke launchers.

Impressive cross-country ability is supplemented by night vision equipment for the crew, and when you compare the Marder to other NATO APCs in service at the time, like the US M113 and UK FV432, you can see the Marder is in a class of its own.

Technically-minded soldiersSome of the best soldiers rode aboard the Marder. While still comprised of a large proportion of conscripted ‘national service’ members, panzer grenadier soldiers were highly trained. They had to be – they were required to be able to effectively operate, maintain and fi ght from this cutting edge warhorse.

Our Cold War Warrior this month is a West German panzer grenadier unteroffi zier, which is roughly equivalent to a sergeant or squad

commander. Most notable is the almost grey-green tone to his combat dress. The Bundeswehr had discontinued camoufl age some years earlier and reverted to the traditional feldgrau uniform that it had always worn.

At this time the majority of NATO armies wore olive green or olive drab uniforms, with the British Army among the few to fi eld camoufl age; the feldgrau uniform would serve the Bundeswehr for over two decades, before being eventually phased out in the early 1990s in favour of the fl ecktarn pattern when Germany was reunifi ed.

The uniform itself is the summer combat dress and comprises a warm and comfortable moleskin shirt, trousers, jacket and fi eld cap (almost identical to the popular WWII M43 fi eld cap). In combat, a US NATO pattern M1 steel helmet was worn but our NCO carries the panzer grenadier’s dark green beret with a


COLD WAR WARRIOR | WEST GERMANY


cap badge of a Marder APC in an oak wreath. Notable on nearly all West German combat clothing (and much of their equipment) is the national fl ag, usually worn on both upper arms – again this was a practice common in other NATO armies like Belgium and Holland.

Obsolete equipmentWhile the uniform itself was practical and hardwearing the panzer grenadier’s boots became a ‘must have’ item among other NATO armies. The German high leg combat boot was fairly heavy but offered fantastic ankle support, relatively good waterproofi ng and above all a well-designed ‘speed lace’ system that would eventually become standard on all western combat boots. Sharp eyed readers will note that that our model wears boots similar to 1970s West German infantry boots as we were unable to get the correct model.

Much less practical, however, is our warrior’s webbing. The German army left its soldiers sadly lacking in this department and the 1970s panzer grenadier essentially wore a slightly updated version of an ancient webbing design – it was inadequate in WWII, and hopelessly obsolete by this point.

Oddly, both the FRG and the communist

DDR across the wall had both opted to retain the traditional German ‘Y-strap and belt’ webbing system. This arrangement, while simple, involves many metal to metal fi ttings and is noisy when the soldier is moving. Our NCO here is lightly-equipped, having left most of his fi eld kit on the Marder, and his webbing comprises two ammunition pouches for his SMG, a water bottle contained in a two-part mess tin set and a fi ghting knife.

Our squad leader’s personal weapon is also quite unusual – an Israeli-made UZI submachine gun. Despite West Germany making the world’s best SMG at the time, the Heckler and Koch MP5, the Israeli Uzi was chosen as a cheaper option. It was known as the MP2 in German service.

Both solid wood and collapsible metal stock versions were used by the Bundeswehr and it’s worth noting that while the army used the MP2, elite police formations such as GSG9 (a unit similar to the SAS of the time) used the more accurate MP5.

Practical load-outWhile section commanders, radio operators and other specialists used the venerable Uzi, the basic weapon for most panzer grenadiers was the powerful 7.62 G3 battle rifl e. This is

good news for those of you hoping to adopt this load-out on the skirmish fi eld: while Airsoft Action has been a little disappointed with the performance of the two makes of Uzi we’ve tried, inexpensive and reliable G3s exist!

A slightly more expensive option for those of you favouring this load-out would be the German MG3 light/medium machinegun. Each team carried at least one of these amazing support weapons, which are based around a modernisation of the classic WWII MG42 design – in fact it’s so similar it’s hard to spot the difference from a distance. The downside, as with many retro airsoft weapons, is that they can be somewhat expensive and hard to fi nd – completely the opposite of the uniform!

Once again we found that this Cold War Warrior impression was incredibly cheap and easy to put together. West German feldgrau was once so common you’d struggle to give it away, and you can still fi nd it very cheaply at militaria fairs. Very few parts of this load-out cost over £5 to source, with some pieces costing as little as 99p. Even the more expensive items (webbing and trousers) were less than £20, making the panzer grenadier impression exceptional value for money – and something a little different to take to the skirmish fi eld!


074 December 2012

074.indd 74 16/10/12 09:32:18


SKILLS ROOM | PATROLS

Why do we go on patrol? What do we want to achieve? I will cover some of the basics – take note,

budding airsoft commanders, and put it to good use.

Each member of the patrol should be tasked with looking for certain pieces of information. Doing this ensures that everyone isn’t counting the same thing. For example, in the event of a chance encounter with the enemy, the point man counts how many there are, next man observes what weapons they carry, next man looks for any special equipment carried, next looks at commanders/radio operators and so on. We’ll cover the specifi cs of what you should be looking for later.

You should also keep a look out for any signs of enemy movement while patrolling – bootprints, cigarette stubs, dropped equipment and whatever else.

As you can imagine, during war things are going to be very busy. A large percentage of your time will involve patrolling of one type or another. For the infantry soldier patrolling is your bread and butter, and one of the most demanding operations you will carry out.

This month Dan Mills explains the skills we use when patrolling,and how effective patrols are conducted


THE ART OF PATROLLING

AA_075-078 Skills_rev2AP.indd 75 15/10/12 15:59:54

076 December 2012

There are three main types of patrolling, each with specific aims:

To obtain information, by reconnaissance. To destroy or disrupt enemy forces, by

fighting or ambush. To dominate the area in front of, or

between defensive positions and formations, by standing.

Recce patrolsRecce patrols should consist of at least a fireteam of four. As it’s a recon patrol you should avoid any combat, unless in self defence. The main tasks of a recce patrol are to:

Collect information about the terrain and routes

Locate enemy positions Get details of enemy positions (including

minefields and any obstacles) Get information of enemy habits,

strengths, movements and routine Investigate suspicious areas, noise and

movement identified by previous patrolsI was part of a large recce patrol tasked

with locating and identifying any enemy positions in a small township. In particular we were looking for illegal vehicle checkpoints (IVCPs).

We were dropped off by vehicles and walked several kilometres with heavy loads so we could approach silently. Throughout the night the patrol dropped off a cover group with night vision while the remainder ‘bounced’ around our given arc of the town.

During the night we located an IVCP on a road junction, manned by a number of armed militia. To help block the road they used rubber tyres, concertina wire and an anti-tank mine. The IVCP was monitored throughout the night and during the whole of the following day, allowing us to gather as much information as possible before extracting under the cover of darkness.

On return to base a full report was written, sketches made and all information handed in to the intelligence cell and operations room. Job done.

Standing patrolsStanding patrols are set up to provide early warning of enemy movements, by observing likely enemy approach routes and dead ground. Usually a standing patrol will be of section strength, with good communications and the ability to call in




indirect fire from mortars and artillery if required.

Standing patrols should move stealthily into position and remain concealed and undetected until they are required to fight or withdraw.

The main tasks for standing patrols are to: Watch and listen over likely enemy

approach routes Cover dead ground in front of and in

between defensive positions Provide overwatch for minefields and

obstacles

In 2004 I spent a long, cold night on a task to provide overwatch on a likely enemy approach route at the rear of a coalition location that was having attacks mounted against it. I led a team of four, with rear protection from a Warrior AFV in the distance.

What are we looking for?When patrolling against the enemy, there are certain important pieces of information we need to gather for headquarters.

Enemy strength: guessing does not help, count them and say what you see Positions: How are the enemy situated, are there any radio masts, trenches, quarters,

defensive works, roadblocks, weapons pits, manned roof tops, buildings or other obstacles Weapons – Observe and list all weapons that you see (small arms, machine guns,

medium machine guns, heavy machine guns and so on) Equipment – Observe and list all equipment that you see (stores, ammo stocks, ladders,

stock piles, bridging, fuel/dump and so on) Morale – Do enemies look confident? Happy, unhappy, carefree, switched on,

disciplined? Obstacles – Note any minefields, rivers, wire entanglements, rubble, streams, hills,

booby traps, roadblocks Surveillance devices – Note location of any seen Patrols – Are the enemy conducting patrols? Detail these Routine – Observe for a given period and note down any routines noticed, such as sentry

changeover times, an officer or NCO checking security and alertness and so on Future intentions – Do the enemy appear to be preparing for something? A patrol, an

attack, withdrawal, inspection, digging, bombardment – what are they doing?

“For the infantry soldier patrolling isyour bread and butter, and one of the

most demanding operations youwill be called upon to carry out”



078 December 2012


My team was concealed in a dry riverbed observing and reporting enemy movements. The priority was to report enemy movement signifying the build up to an attack. I had the remit, as a last resort, to destroy any opportunity targets that presented themselves.

During the early hours of the morning an attack by rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire came from the urban settlement outside the targeted approach route my call sign was observing. I was still able to report the attack and provide useful information to headquarters even though the enemy were unseen, apart from the RPG lighting up the night!

As the attack continued numerous enemy gunmen were spotted and reported back. I offered to break up the OP and put an attack in but was turned down by higher command. A Warrior C/S was tasked instead; we were to continue monitoring the situation and provide a live feed.

The enemy were observed setting up an ambush position on the main arterial route past the base, which we reported. It was a result

of hearing the armour approaching (believe me, the sound of armour in the desert at night travels far!), at this stage still some distance away. Again I reported that an ambush was setting and the likely target was the approaching Warriors, and offered to attack.

I was turned down once more and had to sit and watch as the two vehicles arrived and were indeed attacked by RPG and small arms fire from a determined enemy!

Fighting patrolsAs the name suggests, fighting patrols are tasked to attack, harass, ambush or create a diversion. Consisting of at least platoon strength they are prepared to take the fight to the enemy. They will have good communications and be able to call in direct or indirect fire, including air assets.

The main tasks of fighting patrols are to: Deny the enemy any freedom of action Harass or disrupt any enemy working parties Carry out raids against the enemy Carry out anti armour/ anti personnel

ambushes

Over the last few years our operations have developed substantially from what was once considered ‘the norm’. In Iraq and Afghanistan I have carried out fighting patrols that deploy to a given area to draw the enemy to attack us before we smash them with better weaponry!

To patrol until attacked is a pretty nerve-wracking experience, particularly for point or flank men – but it is all part of the crucial battle to harass an enemy on their own ground, where they should naturally feel most comfortable.

I was patrolling on the outskirts of an enemy-held area when my patrol was shot at by a heavy calibre machine gun. Despite the fact we had walked onto their turf our swift reaction, fighting spirit and superior training turned the tables on the well-concealed enemy.

Once they had shown their hand I turned my patrol into the enemy position, deployed my weapons to destroy two mounted machine guns and then killed numerous enemy soldiers. A good result.



079.indd 79 15/10/12 12:56:33

I t’s been a pretty quiet summer

for big releases – the next Hitman,

Borderlands and Assassin’s

Creed are all nearly here, but still

I gotta be patient. So to cure the

boredom of waiting, and on a friend’s

recommendation, I decided to give

World of Tanks a go.

And oh dear god! I’m hooked on this

beast!

World of Tanks is a free-to-play

(micropayment model) massively multi-

player team-based online-shooter. As

you might have guessed the game is

centred around armoured warfare. Each

player pilots their tank in battle and aims

to take out the opposing team.

The player controls the whole tank

December 2012080

Get in your tank and fight! Alex Wharton did – and now he’s hooked!

rather than just one part – you are

the commander, gunner and driver,

radioman and loader all in one. Tanks are

modelled accurately on their real-world

counterparts and include tanks from the

1930s through to the 1950s. They carry

the same armour and weaponry to the

real deal and behave how they should.

There are over 150 tanks to choose

from, which fall into different categories.

There are Light, Medium and Heavy

Tanks, Self Propelled Guns and Tank

Destroyers. Currently tanks from the

USA, USSR, Germany and France are

represented, though new nations are in

the works with British and Chinese tanks

on the way. Each plays differently and

after a while you’ll work out what type of

tank from which nation is best for you.

Light tanks are the scouts of course

– they run around and try to dodge

shells, likely not doing a great deal of

damage but negating the fog of war and

discovering enemies that the rest of the

team can close in on.

Mediums are the all-rounders – they

are tough, have decent speed and deal

out reasonable damage. Nothing like

the heavies though – slow, cumbersome

and able to pop the lesser tanks in a

single salvo. They can also absorb a

huge amount of punishment. That isn’t

to say they are the best, though; I’ve

been dropped in my Tiger a number of

times by a light tank, simply because it

can stay behind me and I can’t turn fast

enough to kill it!

Self Propelled Guns are the artillery

of the game. They sit at the back and

hide from the opposition, usually in a

bush. If a tank is spotted its location is

radioed back for all to see – the SPG

slowly dials in their gun and looses off a

massive shell. These tanks deal the most

damage, but of course are the weakest

armoured and slowest to reload.

Finally there are the Destroyers, the

snipers of the game. They can be placed

at key locations on the map, waiting for

prey to move into the kill zone. Many

of them are equipped with guns with

amazing accuracy so can easily engage

targets before they get close enough to

shoot back. Others may choose to fi t a

massive inaccurate beast of a cannon

and sit in hidey-holes, just waiting for a

AA_080-081 Media_rev2APNS.indd 80 15/10/12 15:45:45

MEDIA REVIEW | WORLD OF TANKS


to my heavy German Tiger tank. In

between are a couple of tank destroyers,

artillery and a few others I have kept as

I worked towards the next unlock just

because I enjoyed driving them.

As you move up the tiers, so do the

matches that you are thrown into. Tier

1s are only paired with Tier 1s, but once

you reach Tier 2 you will fi nd yourself in

battles up to Tier 4 or even Tier 5. I’m

running a Tier 7 Tiger now, and coming

up against Tier 8s and Tier 9s.

Each battle is a 15 v 15 fi ght to the

death, though there are bases that can

be captured. Some of the games are

set up as an attack-defend instead of a

straight battle, which creates a different

dynamic in the tactics required. Lose a

tank to pass by before delivering a hell

of a gut punch to the weak side or rear

armour.

Each tank has its own tech tree. Win a

game and you get research points and

cash. You then spend the research points

to unlock new equipment. These range

from new engines, different turrets and

different guns. Once you have worked

through the tree of a particular tank you

can then unlock the next tier of the tanks.

Early on you will only have access to

small light tanks, but as you progress

you will work towards the heavier and

more dangerous tanks.

You may even want to try and catch

them all! I currently have nine tanks in

my garage, ranging from a light Russian

fl ank and all of a sudden that measly

light tank has whipped the victory out

from under your crushing dominance.

Being a tank makes this game

inherently different to other, similar

titles. Other shooting games will see you

strafe left and right to keep from being

hit, but in World of Tanks this will mean

exposing your side armour. Learning

how to drive the tank effectively – to

leave yourself an exit yet not expose the

weak points – is key to the game. Once

you crack this you’ll fi nd yourself using

the same ability in other games – now

when I jump in a tank in Battlefi eld or

Planetside I’m thinking about the way to

move it, and the terrain around me, in a

whole new way – which totally helps me

trash everyone else!

Everyone should have a go at this

game. It really is something a bit special.

When you are limping along and spot an

enemy tank about to smack you, only for

their shot to ricochet, you will punch the

air it feels so good. Getting the drop on

a more powerful tank and winning the

engagement simply by outmanoeuvring

them is just as great a feeling – as is

breaking through enemy lines and

watching them all panic as you capture

the fl ag, too far away for them to do

anything about it.

All of this makes Wold of Tanks

what it is: a fantastic and compelling

game. Once you start you may well

fi nd yourself addicted to working

towards that next tank, and you won’t

look back.

DEVELOPED BY: Wargaming.net

OUT NOW ON: Microsoft Windows

PRICE: Free downloadwww.worldoftanks.eu

WORLD OF TANKS

AA_080-081 Media_rev2APNS.indd 81 15/10/12 15:45:56

082 December 2012

One of the most diffi cult handgun

skills to learn is the wounded

shooter drill – especially if you are

injured in your strong-side arm or hand.

You will be in pain, complicating the task of

engaging your opponent, and it will take a

huge amount of concentration to perform

the drill under stress.

In this scenario, your strong-side is out

of action before you’ve even had chance to

draw your weapon to defend yourself. You

need to draw your sidearm from its holster,

insert a magazine, operate the slide to

make the weapon ready and return fi re on

your aggressor – all with just one hand.

Whether real-life or roleplay, this

technique can help keep you in the fi ght

when your life depends on it.

The fi rst rule is to never give up. If you

give up when wounded then you’re already

dead. If you are on your own you must try

to eliminate all threats to you before you

can think about seeking help. You could call

for help or backup, but remember never

to turn your back on your adversary to fi nd

help.

You must take cover as quickly as

possible once hit – you’ll be no good to

anyone bleeding to death in the open while

trying to fi ght back. Kneel down in cover,

presenting as small a target as possible

should you be outfl anked.

For this drill you should place your

‘injured’ strong hand on your upper chest

area – this is how most people naturally

hold a wounded arm as it’s relatively

comfortable.

WOUNDEDSHOULDERDRILL

In this scenario, your strong-side is out

of action before you’ve even had chance to

draw your weapon to defend yourself. You

need to draw your sidearm from its holster,

make the weapon ready and return fi re on

The fi rst rule is to never give up. If you

give up when wounded then you’re already

dead. If you are on your own you must try

to eliminate all threats to you before you

can think about seeking help. You could call

to turn your back on your adversary to fi nd

anyone bleeding to death in the open while

trying to fi ght back. Kneel down in cover,

‘injured’ strong hand on your upper chest

Pro-Tact’s AndyNightingale explains how

to keep in the fi ghtwhen your strong hand’s

out of action

Step OneTake a fi rm grip of the weapon – reach

around the back of the body if possible.

Step TwoIf there is no magazine in the weapon,

carefully place it between your knees

with the magwell facing up and the

muzzle pointing to the ground. Clamp

fi rmly with the knees

AA_82-83 Skills_rev2APNS.indd 82 12/10/12 15:43:17


SKILLS ROOM | DRILL

Step SevenContinue the fi ght or make good your

escape.


escape.

The drill is a complex and

diffi cult one, so be sure to take

things slow and practise as often as you can to get it right.

If you need to reload the weapon, fi rst seek cover and drop to

both knees if possible. This will buy you time while performing a much

slower reload than normal, and will mean you are closer to the ground if

you have to pick up an ejected magazine.

Although practice and training for combat or self-defence situations ensures that

you are able to perform a certain task with some speed while under pressure, this

drill is not designed for speed but to familiarise you with the sequence of moves. Go

slow – keep the actions positive and deliberate. You may need it one day.

Step ThreeRetrieve a full magazine from the pouch

or pocket and insert it into the weapon.

Do not slam it in as you could dislodge

the weapon from your knee clamp.

The magazine should be seated fi rmly

to ensure it does not fall out when the

weapon is turned the right way up.

Step FourTake a fi rm hold of the weapon with

your weak hand and turn it over. Once

the weapon is turned over adjust its

position in your hand to obtain a correct

grip.

Step FiveBring the magazine down

hard onto the knee to

fully ensure that

the magazine is

seated correctly.

Step SixWhile in the kneeling position, operate the slide by hooking the sights onto the heel of

your boots. Push down and away from the heel to operate the slide. If you are standing

you can use the same technique by using the trouser pocket or belt to hook the sights

onto. Remember to push down fully and then away from the body. If the weapon you

are using has ambidextrous safety you are OK but if not you will at this point need to

manipulate any safety catches if the weapon has them.

AA_82-83 Skills_rev2APNS.indd 83 12/10/12 15:43:35

SITE DIRECTORYFind somewhere to be this weekend…

084 December 2012

SYMBOL KEY Is it woodland or urban? Check the key!

UKARA

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UKARA MEMBER

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SHOP ONSITE

BATTERY CHARGING

REPAIR SERVICE

DESERTDESERT

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ABSOLUTE AIRSOFTMaidenhead, SL6 3SS07871 314951www.absolute-airsoft.co.uk

ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMESPenkridge, ST19 5RE07786 192832www.aceairsoft.co.uk

ACE COMBATKent, TN12 7DG01303 814803www.acecombat.co.uk

AIRBORNE 101 AIRSOFT CLUBDownpatrick, Co. Down, BT3007718 [email protected]

AIRSOFT ASYLUMNorth Lanarksire, ML7 [email protected]

AIRSOFT COMMANDOSSutton, near Ferrybridge07723 [email protected]

AIRSOFT KGBPorkellis Moor near Helston, Cornwall, TR13 [email protected].

AIRSOFT SKIRMISHStoulton, WR7 4QW07764 587410www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk

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AIRSOFT XCALIBREMacclesfi eld, SK10 4SZ07921 837658www.airsoft-xcalibre.co.uk

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AMBUSH ADVENTURES – CHOBHAMChobham, Surrey, GU24 8SL01252 315225www.ambushadventures.co.uk

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AA_084-087_Site Directory_Rev2AP.indd 84 15/10/12 14:50:43

AIRSOFT SITES | DIRECTORY


Huge thanks to our friends at Airbana (www.airsoftmap.net) for supplying data!

DOGS OF WARHouston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7BP07853 195290www.dow-airsoft.co.uk

DRAGON’S LAIRBrentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA07703 530189www.dragonslairairsoft.co.uk

DRAGON VALLEY AIRSOFTCaerwent Training Area, South Wales, NP26 5XL07921 336360www.dragonvalley.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS AIRSOFTEarlswood, B94 6SF0844 870 9785www.sabreforce.co.uk

ELITE ACTION GAMES – DORKINGDorking, Surrey, RH5 5AB01784 433023www.eliteactiongames.com

ELITE ACTION GAMES – EPSOMEpsom, Surrey, KT1801784 433023www.eliteactiongames.com

ELITE ACTION GAMES – WORTHINGWorthing, BN1301784 433023www.eliteactiongames.com

ELITE BATTLEZONEBexley, Greater London, DA5 1NX07968 448475www.elitebattlezone.co.uk

EXPERIENCE AIRSOFTSwindon, Wiltshire, SN5 0AN01380 728982www.experienceairsoft.co.uk

FIREFIGHT COMBAT SIMULATIONSLewisham, SE13 5SU07973 240177www.fi refi ght.co.uk

FIFE WARGAMESSt Andrews, KY10 3XLinfo@fi fewargames.co.ukwww.fi fewargames.com

FINMERE AIRSOFTBuckingham, MK18 4JT07976 184897www.fi nmereairsoft.com

FIREBALL SQUADRONSutton Coldfi eld, B75 5SA07582 684533www.fi reballsquadron.com

FIRST AND ONLY – ANZIO CAMPLeek, ST13 807862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY– BATTLE LAKESRoyal Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9AP07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – BUNKER WOODKidderminster, Worcs, DY11 5SA07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – KHE SANH WOODSOtley, West Yorkshire LS21 2NA07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – MANCHESTER WOODLANDBolton, BL7 9TS07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – ASYLUMKidderminster, DY10 3PT07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – THE EMBASSYLeicester, LE2 6EA07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – THE MALLReading, RG1 1NR07862 288359www.fi rstandonlyairsoft.com

GROUND ZERO WOODLANDRingwood, Hampshire, BH24 2DF01329 849818 www.groundzerowoodland.com

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - RIVOCK EDGEKeighley, BD20 0LS07891 469492www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - SHEFFIELD WOODLAND Sheffi eld, S6 6JE07891 469492www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CLOSE ACTION AIRSOFTCorby, NN17 3BB07740 165787www.close-action.co.uk

COMBAT ACTION GAMESMaryland, Norfolk, NR10 401328 711867www.combatactiongames.co.uk

COMBAT SOUTH URBANPortsmouth, PO6 3LS02392 655636www.combatsouth.co.uk

COMBAT SOUTH WOODLANDFareham, PO17 5ND02392 655636www.combatsouth.co.uk

CONTACT! FIGHT SCHOOLKelvedon Hatch, Essex, CM14 501438 368177www.thefi ghtschool.demon.co.uk

COOL UNDER FIREDoddington, Kent, ME9 0JS07960 532613www.coolunderfi re.co.uk

CORNWALL AIRSOFT ASSAULTTruro, Cornwall, TR207837 475012www.cornwallairsoftassault.co.uk

CUMBRIA AIRSOFTDumfries, [email protected]

DELTA TEAM 3Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 8UT07986 053076www.deltateam3.co.uk

AWA HERTSSawbridgeworth, Herts, CM23 4BJ07732 184957www.awaherts.com

BARNSLEY AIRSOFTShafton, Barnsley, S72 8RE07779 236166www.barnsleypaintball.co.uk

BATTLETEC AIRSOFTLa Couture, Guernsey, GY1 207781 104068www.battletec.co.uk

BETTER BATTLESRavenshead, Notts, NG15 9DH07967 940043www.better-battles.com

BRAVO 2-2 AIRSOFT Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, Southport. PR46JX07790 715059www.bravo22airsoft.com

BRISTOL AIRSOFTBristol, BS1 2HQ07776 288826www.bristolairsoft.com

BRIT-TAC AIRSOFTSheffi eld, S2 5TR07795 631331www.brittacairsoft.com

BUNKER 51Charlton, SE7 8NJ0870 7549653www.wolfarmouries.co.uk

C3 TACTICALLonghope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH07597 938011www.c3tactical.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - THE COMPLEX Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RP07891 469492www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - THE SANDPITBradford, BD2 1BQ07891 469492www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk


SITE DIRECTORYFind somewhere to be this weekend…

086 December 2012

FREE FIRE ZONEFarcet, Peterborough, PE7 3DH01733 247171www.freefi rezone.co.uk

FRV AIRSOFTAnnacloy, Downpatrick, BT30 8JJ07730 586926www.frvairsoft.com

GASS AIRSOFT – PENNPenn Bottom, Bucks, HP1007907 788970www.gassairsoft.co.uk

GASS AIRSOFT – PIDDINGTONPiddington, Oxfordshire, OX25 107907 788970www.gassairsoft.co.uk

GRANGE FARM AIRSOFTLeicester, LE9 9FPwww.gingerliberationfront.com

GREENZONE COMBATCo. Armagh, BT60 1NE07772 919974www.greenzonecombat.com

GUN HO AIRSOFTGuisborough, TS7 0PG07525 435696www.gunhoairsoft.co.uk

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – CAMBRIDGEBury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP2807854 277264www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – NORWICHNorwich, Norfolk, NR1007854 277264www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

HIGHLAND TACTICAL AIRSOFTIV25 3PY07702 846090www.highlandtacticalairsoft.co.uk

HILTON PARK AIRSOFTWolverhampton, WV10 7HU08000 354490www.paintballuk.com

HOMELAND TACTICAL AIRSOFTSpanby, Lincs, NG34 0AT07971 560249facebook.com/HomelandTacticalAirsoft

INVICTA AIRSOFT – RAINDEN WOODSFolkestone, Kent, CT18 7AY01227 763335www.invictaairsoft.co.uz

ISLAND RECON AIRSOFT COMBATNear Shorwell, Isle of Wight, PO3007964 751047www.islandrecon.co.uk

LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFTGorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4LG0131 654 2452www.airsoftedinburgh.co.uk

LAC SITE 1Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH07775 877057www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 2Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH07775 877057www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 3Saxillby, LN1 2JW07775 877057www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 5Kirton Rd, North Lincs, DN1607775 877057www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LINDSEY AIRSOFTManby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8HE07955 487983www.lindsey-airsoft.co.uk

MATLOCK COMBAT GAMESMatlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FW07974 507166www.matlockcombatgames.com

MAWMelton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE1407562 [email protected]

MIACornwall, EX23 9JL01288 331748www.airsoftsouthwest.co.uk

MILITARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURESWrightington, WN6 9PL01942 514724www.*militaryoutdooradventure.co.uk

MILSIM UKCheckley, Staffordshire, ST10 4NS07523 916607www.milsimuk.co.uk

NCIS AIRSOFTEdinburgh, EH14 [email protected]

NOMAD AIRSOFTFenwick, Ayrshire, KA3 6AY07904 998250www.nomadairsoft.com

NORTHERN ALLIANCE AIRSOFTThirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3LQ01845 565465www.northernallianceairsoft.co.uk

NORTHFLEET CQBNorthfl eet, Kent, DA11 9AA07968 448475www.elitebattlezone.co.uk

NSC AIRSOFTHetton, Sunderland, DH5 007983 333521www.nscairsoft.co.uk

NTACDurham, DL4 2ER01642 281220www.ntac.co.uk

OBAN AIRSOFT – HILL ARGYLLArgyll and Bute, PA37 107967 710185www.argyllsurplus.com

OP-TACTICAL UK – TEAN-OPSTean, Staffordshire, ST10 4JT07964 990831www.op-tac.co.uk

PATHFINDER GROUP AIRSOFT MILITARY SIMULATIONFormer RAF Camp Sopley/Merryfi eld Park, Hants, BH2302380 899369

PHOENIX AIRSOFTBudby, Notts, NG22 9FG01623 812483www.phoenix-airsoft.co.uk

PLATOON 1HQRochester, Kent, ME1 1 HQ01634 829063www.ptt-1hq.co.uk

PLAYERS OF WARHigh Bonnybridge, FK1 3AD07767 203979www.playersofwar.co.uk

PREDATOR COMBAT GAMESBallynahinch, BT24 8NF028 4377 0566www.predatorcombat.com

RAVEN’S NESTSuffolk, IP8 401473 831563www.ravensairsoft.co.uk

RAW WAR AIRSOFT CUMBRIAWigton, Cumbria CA7 3SZ01900 85645www.airsoftcumbria.co.uk


AIRSOFT SITES | DIRECTORY


Email [email protected] to add or change a site listing

RIFT AIRSOFT COM’S SITE 3Chipping Warden, OX17 1LZ07751 586781www.riftairsoft.com

RIFT AIRSOFT (COTTENHAM)Cambridge, CB24 8RL07751 586781www.riftairsoft.com

SECTION 8 AIRSOFTShotts, N Lanarkshire, ML7 5AB07974 026517www.s8airsoft.com

SECTION 8 AIRSOFTShotts, N Lanarkshire, ML7 5AB07974 026517www.s8airsoft.com

SG1 COMBAT GAMESCo. Londonderry, BT45 8NA07713 273102www.sg1combatgames.co.uk

SKIRMISH AIRSOFT BILLERICAYBillericay, Essex, CM11 2TX01277 657777www.airsoft-billericay.co.uk

SKIRMISH EXETERExeter, Devon, EX4 501548 580025www.airsoftexeter.co.uk

SOUTHDOWN AIRSOFTPetworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LR

07766 770830www.southdownairsoft.com

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – BLOXWORTHWareham, Dorset, BH20 7EU07984 656947www.specopsairsoft.co.uk

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – THE ROCKPortland, Dorset, DT5 2EG07984 656947www.specopsairsoft.co.uk

STIRLING AIRSOFTCoventry, CV3 6NX07831 429407www.stirlingairsoft.com

STORMFORCE AIRSOFTRugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4LD07515 937633www.stormforcepaintball.co.uk

SUSSEX AIRSOFTSlinfold, RH12020 8150 9284www.sussexairsoft.co.uk

SW WAR GAMES – SCRAESDON FORTAntony, Cornwall, PL11 3AB08456 345011www.swwargames.co.uk

SW WAR GAMES – TREGANTLE FORTAntony, Cornwall, PL11 3AZ08456 345011www.swwargames.co.uk

TA EVENTSHemel Hemstead, Herts, HP2 7QB07894 059794www.ta-events.co.uk

TACTICAL WALES AIRSOFTReynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AS01792 473336www.tacticalwales.co.uk

TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFTWarlingham, Surrey, CR6 9PL020 8665 1299www.tacticalwarfare.co.uk

TASK FORCE SKIRMISHCowbridge, S Glamorgan, CF7102920 593900www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk

THE DESERTERS AIRSOFTRedford, DD1107751 878175www.thedeserters.co.uk

THE EX SITEMold, CH7 407840 001975www.theexsitewales.co.uk

THE WARGAMES CENTREStevenston, Ayrshire, KA20 3LN08456 434326www.scottishadventurecentre.co.uk

UCAP AIRSOFTPortsmouth, Hants, PO17 6AR07590 818881www.ucap.co.uk

UCAP GREEN OPSLinch, West Sussex, GU30 707590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

UCAP SANDPITBean, Kent, DA2 807590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – FAWKHAMFawkham, Kent, DA3 8NY01268 796130www.ultimatewargames.co.uk

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – LIMPSFIELDOxted, Surrey, RH8 0RHwww.ultimatewargames.co.uk

URBAN6AIRSOFT – ZONE 13Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0QN07432 291729www.urban6airsoft.com

URBAN6AIRSOFT – IVYWOODElmhurst, Lichfi eld WS13 8EUwww.urban6airsoft.com

URBAN6AIRSOFTStone, Staffordshire, ST15 0QNwww.urban6airsoft.com

URBAN ASSAULTRamsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 101733 247171www.urbanassault.org.uk

VIKING AIRSOFTWelwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0UNwww.vikingairsoft.co.uk

WARMINSTER AIRSOFTWarminster, BA12 7RZwww.warminsterairsoft.co.uk

XSITE AIRSOFT OUTPOSTDunstable, LU6 2EE01494 881430www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk

XSITE AIRSOFT – LANE ENDHigh Wycombe, HP14 3NP01494 881430

Huge thanks to our friends at Airbana (www.airsoftmap.net) for supplying data!


AIRSOFTACTIONBOOKSHOP

Total War - SRP £25.00AA Price £21.00

The Retreat - SRP £10.99AA Price £9.00

Cadet Pocket Book - SRP £8.00AA Price £7.50

Kill Switch - SRP £6.99AA Price £6.00

SAS Operation Storm - SRP £25.00AA Price £21.00

Soldiers Pocket Book - SRP £10.00AA Price £9.00

Killing for the Company (hdbk) - SRP £18.99 AA Price £16.00

The Kill Zone (hdbk) - SRP £18.99AA Price £16.00

The Kill Zone (pbk) - SRP £6.99AA Price £6.00

Never Surrender - SRP £8.99AA Price £7.50

Tank Men - SRP £8.99AA Price £7.50

Skill at Arms - SRP £6.50AA Price £5.00

Air Cadet Pocket Book - SRP £8.00AA Price £7.50

Army Cadet’s Log Book - SRP £4.00AA Price £3.50

088 December 2012

AA_088-089_Bookshop_Rev1.indd 89 15/10/12 16:32:40


Elite:163 Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan - SRP £11.99AA Price £8.50

Raid:11 Pegasus Bridge – Benouville D-Day 1944 - SRP £11.99AA Price £10

Weapon:2 The Rocket Propelled Grenade - SRP £9.99AA Price £8.50

Elite:170 Special Operations Forces in Iraq - SRP £11.99AA Price £8.50

Soldier I – The Story of an SAS Hero - SRP £8.99AA Price £7.50

Weapon:7 The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger - SRP £9.99AA Price £8.50

Elite:160 World War II Infantry Assault Tactics - SRP £11.99AA Price £10

Elite:168 World War II Street Fighting Tactics SRP £11.99AA Price £10

Visit www.virtualnewsagent.com for these fantastic offers. Either fi ll in the form below – don’t forget to put a tick by the books you’re ordering – and post/fax to us, or call us on the number at the bottom

Name ...........................................................................................................................

Address .......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

Postcode/Zip Code ........................................................................................................

Country ........................................................................................................................

Telephone ...................................................................................................................

Email ............................................................................................................................

Signature ......................................................................................................................

Date ..............................................................................................................................

I enclose a cheque for ______ payable to Blaze Publishing Ltd.

Please debit my Switch/VISA/Mastercard/Maestro for _____

(No Electron or Amex please)

Expiry date ……/…. Start date/issue number ……/….…

CVV No. (Last 3 digits on reverse of card)

Your credit card statement will read Blaze Publishing Ltd.

Please call +44 1926 339 808 for international postage costs.

Now fax or post this form to: Blaze Publishing Limited,

Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5SZ England

T: 01926 339808 F: 01926 470400 E: [email protected]

Title Author Category Code SRP AA price

Tank Men Robert Kershaw Non-fi ction 1212-001 £8.99 £7.50

Never Surrender Robert Kershaw Non-fi ction 1212-002 £8.99 £7.50

Total War Michael Jones Non-fi ction 1212-003 £25.00 £21.00

The Retreat Michael Jones Non-fi ction 1212-004 £10.99 £9.00

SAS Operation Storm

Roger Cole & Richard Belfi eld Non-fi ction 1212-005 £18.99 £16.00

Kill Switch Bill Shaw Non-fi ction 1212-006 £6.99 £6.00

The Kill Zone Chris Ryan Fiction 1212-007 £18.99 £16.00

The Kill Zone Chris Ryan Fiction 1212-008 £6.99 £6.00

Killing for the Company Chris Ryan Fiction 1212-009 £18.99 £16.00

Soldiers Pocket Book Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd), Rupert Godeson and John H Harris Non-fi ction 1212-010 £10.00 £9.00

Cadet’s Pocket Book Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd) Non-fi ction 1212-011 £8.00 £7.50

Air Cadet Pocket Book Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd) Non-fi ction 1212-012 £8.00 £7.50

Army Cadet Log Book Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd) Non-fi ction 1212-013 £4.00 £3.50

Skill at Arms And Shooting Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd) Non-fi ction 1212-014 £6.50 £5.00

World War II Street-Fighting Tactics Stephen Bull Non-fi ction 1212-015 £11.99 £10.00

World War II Infantry Assault Tactics Gordon L Rottman Non-fi ction 1212-016 £11.99 £10.00

Pegasus Bridge Benouville 1944 Will Fowler Non-fi ction 1212-017 £11.99 £10.00

Soldier I – the Story of an SAS Hero Pete Winner Non-fi ction 1212-018 £8.99 £7.50

Special Operations Forces in Iraq Leigh Neville Non-fi ction 1212-019 £11.99 £8.50

Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan Leigh Neville Non-fi ction 1212-020 £11.99 £8.50

Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger Leroy Thompson Non-Fiction 1212-021 £9.99 £8.50

The Rocket Propelled Grenade Gordon L Rottman Non-Fiction 1212-022 £9.99 £8.50

Total

AA_088-089_Bookshop_Rev1.indd 90 15/10/12 16:32:44

090 December 2012

DEALER LISTINGS

ADVERTISERS INDEXAction Hobbies .......................................................................21

Airsoft Innovations ................................................................67

BadgerTac .............................................................................67

Badger Tac 2 .........................................................................90

Bulle UK Ltd / Flecktarn ........................................................46

Celcius ...................................................................................51

Dragon Valley Airsoft Ltd .......................................................79

First & Only Airsoft ...............................................................90

Gunman Airsoft .....................................................................79

JD Airsoft ........................................................................27, 90

Just BB Guns Ltd ...................................................................22

Land Warrier Airsoft ........................................................2, 90

Military 1st ............................................................................22

Outdoor Pursuits / No VAT ......................................................8

Patrol Base ..............................................................................8

Pro Airsoft Supplies ...........................................................3, 92

Redwolf ...................................................................................7

Shoot n’ Scoot ........................................................................90

Surplus Store .....................................................................8, 90

Thatchreed ......................................................................55, 91

British Airsoft Show ..............................................................15

TLSFx Ltd .............................................................................63

UK Tactical ............................................................................35

Wolf Armouries .....................................................................56

Xsite Airsoft Ltd ....................................................................79

090.indd 90 15/10/12 14:02:34


091.indd 91 15/10/12 17:33:16

092 November 2012

092.indd 92 15/10/12 17:08:30

Issue 16 - Dec 2012

Documents

Transcript of Issue 16 - Dec 2012