issue 05 - jan 2012

ACT

ION

G&G PM5-A4 GAZELLE HELO Variable velocity devices weapon handling

AirsoftA

ctionJA

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Y2012

THE Airsoft Magazine

JANUARY 2012 - 3.95

WINA G&G PM5-A4

worth more than

300!

VWHEN NATIONS COLLIDE

02 January 2012

03www.airsoftaction.com

CONTENTSAIRSOFT ACTION - JANUARY 2012

6 READERS WRITE LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS TICKETS TO A GUNMAN EVENT!

8 AIRSOFT NEWS NEW SHOPS AND SITES, UPCOMING EVENTS, MORE

12 RIFLE REVIEW HANDS-ON WITH THE ECHO 1 / VFC ROBINSON ARMS XCR

16 ENGLAND V SCOTLAND NIGE REPORTS FROM THE ANNUAL INTER-NATIONS GAME

20 WEAPON HANDLING DANNY P ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE WEAPON DRILLS

25 NCIS OUR REPORTER NORTH OF THE BORDER VISITS NCIS

29 COMPETITION YOUR EXCLUSIVE CHANCE TO WIN A G&G PM5-A4!

30 VARIABLE VELOCITY DEVICE LEARN HOW TO FIT A VVD IN YOUR RIFLE WITH BANZAI

RECOGNISE THIS PATTERN? TAKE A NOTE! YOULL NEED THE PATTERNS FROM ISSUES 1 - 12 TO ENTER OUR CAMO COMPETITION!

Editor: Nigel Streeter

Assistant editor: Anthony Platt

Art director: Chris Sweeney

Ad design: Ryan Dixon, Steve Dawson

Advertising: Hannah Benson

Operations director: James Folkard

Assistant publisher: Ruth Burgess

Editorial director: James Marchington

Publisher: Wesley Stanton

Full UK 13-issue subscription rate: 59.40For overseas prices visit:www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

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 re ect those of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.

ACT

ION

G&G PM5-A4 GAZELLE HELO Variable velocity devices weapon handling

AirsoftA

ctionJA

NU

AR

Y2012

THE Airsoft Magazine

JANUARY 2012 - 3.95

WINA G&G PM5-A4

worth more than

300!

VWHEN NATIONS COLLIDE

004 January 2012

32 GUNMAN EVERSLEY NIGE ATTENDS GUNMANS NEW EVERSLEY SITES FIRST GAME

38 COLD WAR WARRIOR THIS MONTH GADGE IS LOOKING AT THE NATIONAL VOLKSARMEE OF EASTERN GERMANY

43 PRO-TACT LEARN SELF-DEFENCE FROM THE PROS

46 GUNMUNKI NEW TOY BROKEN ALREADY? GUNMUNKIS ON HAND TO HELP

50 RIFLE REVIEW SCOTT ALLEN GETS TO GRIPS WITH G&GS NEW PM5-A4

54 KIT TEST: JACKETS DANNY P TRIES THREE JACKETS58 GUNS N GEAR CHECK OUT THE STUFF WE GOT FOR CHRISTMAS...

60 BIG BOYZ TOYZ RATTY TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO THE ICONIC GAZELLE HELO

Youll have heard this a million times before, but Im going to say it anyway: Bloody hell! Where has the year gone?

All in all 2011 has been a really weird year. With so much happen-ing not least the launch of a certain airsoft magazine it has just own by and, by the time you read this, you will hopefully be looking

forwards to a bit of a break.It has been a tough year for many, and as I see it things are not likely to

change any time soon. But despite everything that has been thrown at (and taken away from) us, airsoft has continued to thrive. Yes, this year has seen one or two closures but there have also been shop openings, moves to bigger premises, new sites starting up and Ive lost count of how much new stuffs landed on the shelves this year!

What this all means is that 2012 will be a great year for airsoft, and a great year for Airsoft Action. I believe that, with some serious hard work, 2012 can be the year that airsoft nally comes out from under the radar. There are some big players out there taking notice of our little game and, if just half of what they are planning comes to fruition, the next 12 months will see an explosion of interest which can only be good for the future of airsoft.

So from me and all of us here at Airsoft Action, whatever you are doing and wherever you are, dig out the brandy and mince pies and have a great Christmas and New Year well see you on the other side!

Nige

Find us onwww.facebook.com/AirsoftAction 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.

005www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

65 YOUNG GUNS JEZZ BLUME ON THE TOPIC OF YOUNG GUN TEAMS

68 FIRST AND ONLY: MANCHESTER RON MAHONEY REPORTS FROM AN IMPRESSIVE SITE

73 SPY GAMES FANCY LEARNING SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT?

77 BATTERIES: LIPOS IN PART ONE OF A NEW FEATURE BARRY COLLINS LOOKS AT LIPO BATTERIES

80 INSIDE AIRSOFT A CLOSER LOOK AT LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT

82 TEAM FRONTIER LEARN TEAMWORK FROM THE PROS!

86 LADIES AIRSOFT SIAN WESTALL AND FRIENDS ON WHY THEY LOVE AIRSOFT

91 MEMORY-MAP ADVENTURER IS IT ANY GOOD FOR AIRSOFT?94 MEDIA REVIEW ALEX WHARTON ON CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3

006 January 2012

READERS WRITE

Dear Airsoft Action,I have just read the editorial of the December issue where Nigel talks

a bit on the subject of the VCRA and agree its something that needs to be made crystal clear. Only last Saturday at Urban Assualt I overheard a player, who I assume has played for a while judging by his gear, telling a young lad that to get his UKARA registration he just had to play three days on the trot!

I cant tell you how many times I have explained it is a minimum of three times, at the same site, over a period of not less than two months not, as I have heard, within two months. I also explain they can play more than three times, but to make sure the site knows you want to register with UKARA so that they record your visits.

On another note, Im really glad to have more choice in airsoft magazines but wanted to point out that not everyone has masses of money available to spend on the hobby. While I have a couple of TM guns and a G&G the rest are Chinese clones. I like to read about the cheaper guns/gear as well as the expensive stuff, and what can be done to upgrade them without having to spend loads of money.

Also, having played for just over two years I have just about got sorted with regards personal gear, having rst tried a belt, then an

assault vest and nally settling on a chest rig.I tried a leg holster (found it apped around too much) before settled

on a holster on my belt (which is the only thing on my belt) to go with the chest rig.

I have a GBB pistol an AEP and a couple of springer pistols, and do you know which I prefer? You may nd this odd but its the springers. Perhaps I am just strange but I like the simplicity theres no gas to carry or leak out, its not affected by the cold, theres battery to charge (or forget to) and knowing you only really have one shot certainly adds to the tension!

Excellent mag, keep up the good work! All the best,Dave

Dear Airsoft Action,I wanted to say thank you for

introducing me to my new love, my Potomac eld shirt. After seeing it

in the November issue of Airsoft Action I went out and bought one (early Christmas present for me)

and have barely taken it off since. Its perfect for airsoft, especially as I prefer MilSim events to skirmishing, but to be honest Ive been wearing it every day as its so warm despite the weather. Plus the anti-odour and anti-microbial stuff means it doesnt smell, so no one knows Ive been

wearing the same shirt for three weeks. Thanks!

Regards,Adam Crellin

Dear Airsoft Action,Ive read your mag since the rst issue (in fact I picked up a copy at the Ground Zero Weekender). I really like the Skills Room articles with no military background this isnt the sort of stuff I learn at work (accounting and eldcraft, anyone?) so its really useful to learn real practical tips.

But I really wrote in to tell you that I bought the Soldiers Pocket Book from the Airsoft Action Bookshop in the Xmas Issue, to see if it was any good for someone into airsoft. And even though theres a lot of stuff thats not much use (although it is interesting) theres loads in there I can use for airsoft, and its good to see what skills are being taught to our soldiers. If anyone else saw it and wondered if its any good, Id say get it nice stocking ller for yourself!

All the best,Helen Robinson

Got a letter, question, picture or something to make us giggle? Email it to [email protected] and you could win two tickets to a Gunman Airsoft event!

008 January 2012

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JD Airsoft hosted representatives from Edgar Brothers, Stirling Airsoft and Popular Airsoft at its interaction night, allowing customers to get hands-on with the expanding Magpul range and talk to the people in the know.

The interaction night, held 8 December, attracted considerable numbers of airsofters to the Staffordshire-based retail outlet. Edgar Brothers was on hand to eld questions about its Magpul and Blackhawk ranges and had kindly donated a number of prizes that were raf ed off, with proceeds going to the Air Ambulance.

A total of 340 was raised, while Michael Rowe walked away with a brand new Masada AKM and Matt Nelson won the MOE CQB. Stirling Airsoft also gave tickets to a Stirling event of the winners choice, which was won by Steve Keary. Fiona Harrington nished up, taking the Fireball Hornets Nest weekend event certi cate.

JD Airsoft, 01543 466356, www.jdairsoft.co.uk

JD AIRSOFT INTERACTION NIGHT

Gunman Airsoft is looking to a dark future: January 21-22 will see a new post-apocalyptic sci-fi airsoft event based on videogame Fallout 3.

Tickets for the event Wastelander: Land of Hope and Glory are selling fast, so if youre itching to try something a little different in 2012, check out the event details on the Gunman forums.

Gunman Airsoft: 07854 277264, www.gunmanforum.com

GUNMAN WASTELANDER

010 January 2012

MILSPEC SOLUTIONSMilSpec Solutions, purveyor of gas blowback weapons, has launched a new website.

A vast improvement over the last one, the new website will show the full range of gas blowback products and airsoft accessories available from MilSpec Solutions.

Check out the new website at www.milspecsolutions.co.uk.

Contact MilSpec Solutions: 01257 453689

CELCIUS CTW SBSSpecialist Tactical Training Solutions (STTS) has announced the launch of the Celcius CTW SBS Limited Edition. Strictly limited to 25 pieces and costing 1,370 the CTW SBS is a complete weapons package comprising of the following:A CTW MX-2 M4A1 Carbine tted with:n Spectre style illuminated 4x scope n Replica SIR rail system n Set of rail covers n Flip-up

iron sight n Replica PEQ illuminator and laser designator n Replica suppressor and silent option markings n STTS-upgrade nozzle tted to cylinder.On top of that, also included in the package is:

Hard, lockable case with foam insert n Four spare 120-round high-speed mags n Standard Bird Cage M4 ash hider n Upgrade cylinder pack with M90, M110 and M130 springs n 11.1v 1200mAh 20C battery (for M90 and M110 springs) n 11.1v 2400mAh 20C battery (for M130 spring only) n Pistol-style speed loader n Cleaning rod n Warranty booklet n User guide.

STTS is the exclusive UK and Irish distributor of Celcius products and the CTW SBS includes the standard STTS 12-month warranty, covering the ri e, mags and cylinders.

The CTW SBS will be available from late-December from STTS-appointed outlets BadgerTac in Oxfordshire (01296 658600) and JD Airsoft in Staffs (01543 466356).

PRO AIRSOFT SUPPLIESPro Airsoft Supplies UK, has opened in Highgate, London, on 10 December. As Airsoft Action was going to press the shop t was complete, the deliveries taken and the last nishing touches being done before the shop opened but by the time you read this business will be well and truly underway!

Contact Pro Airsoft Supplies: 0208 292 6548, www.proairsoftsupplies.co.uk, [email protected]

EAST MIDLANDS

AIRSOFTEast Midlands Airsofts second Sabre Force Woodland site opens on Sunday 8 January 2012 near Lutterworth, Leicestershire (nearest postcode LE17 4HP (farm)). All players at the rst game will receive a free 3,000 count bottle of Blaster 0.2g BBs.

The new site has all the comforts that regular players at East Midlands Airsoft have come to expect covered seating, toilets, hard-standing car cark and a shop selling drinks, snacks, and airsoft goodies.East Midlands Airsoft is working hard to transform the site, which already boasts several buildings, a full military-style assault course, abandoned cars and a host of man-made and natural features to really get the games going.

It has also con rmed that there will be no paintballers using any part of the site during game days, and that most gaming takes place away from any paintball zones.

There are 25 rental guns available for the rst game book early to avoid disappointment! PricesWalk-on: 20 (special offer)Ri e hire: 15Pyro: 3.50 each or 10 for threeContact0844 870 9785www.eastmidlandsairsoft.co.uk


AIRSOFT NEWS

Two years have passed since the meeting which established the UK Airsoft Players Union, and the need for our association is clearer than ever. Not so long ago airsoft was an underground hobby; in the last 15 years it has burst into the limelight and grown exponentially as a result.

Most people reading this would not have heard of airsoft if it wasnt for the hundreds of people who have pushed airsoft to new

levels, volunteers and entrepreneurs alike. Each year more people get involved and as a result we now have a staggering array of shops, sites, literature, guns and equipment to select from, with competition and the economy of scale keeping prices down. Airsoft was always a cheap activity due to extremely cheap ammunition and reasonable site fees; certainly it costs a tiny proportion of a day of quad biking or paintballing. That is one of the reasons airsoft has ourished in an economic climate that has seen most people spending less money. So things are looking good for our hobby.

But this growth is highlighting the fact that, as a new industry in the UK, we are struggling to nd our feet in terms of self governance.

It is our community and the attitude of sportsmanship and professionalism that players bring to airsoft which makes the game everything that it is but we are in danger of losing sight of this as the hobby becomes more commercialised. It is up to everyone in airsoft to take the reins to make sure that the hobby both sticks to its roots and lays the groundwork for the future.

Our aim for the following year is to reengage with governmental and non-governmental organisations rsthand. UKAPU will also continue to push for the creation of a UK airsoft council.

Chris Neill

United Kingdom Airsoft Players Unionwww.ukapu.org.uk

NEWS

BADGERTAC2BadgerTac2 opened on 19 November in Canvey Island in Essex. The new shop, set up by 18-year-old James Badura and Adam Tigger Scott, has already established itself with local players.

When James grandparents offered to set him up in business he jumped at the chance to turn his hobby into his business. Through family friend Tigger, James was introduced to Ratty from BadgerTac, and BadgerTac2 was born.

Within days James had secured a shop and began tting it out ready to receive its rst stock of gear and equipment including King Arms, Cybergun, ICS, ASG, Magpul, KJ Works and WE, to name a few.

When not working Tigger assists with help and advice youll soon spot him if you visit the shop (hes the big guy with a ponytail!).

Contact BadgerTac2: 01268 906494, www.badgertac2.co.uk, [email protected] or if youre nearby then pop in and say hello!

UCAP VIRUS: CLOSINGDemolition work has begun on UCAP Airsofts Sussex-based Virus site.

The last ever game days were held on 10 and 11 December 2011. The site was opened in April 2010 and hundreds of airsofters have played the site in the last 20 months. As Airsoft Action was going to press the forums were buzzing with players looking forward to sending the site out in style!

UCAP Airsoft still operates three sites: The Bunker near Portsmouth, Green Ops in West Sussex and The Sandpit in Kent.

Contact UCAP Airsoft: 07590 818881, www.ucap.co.uk

012 January 2012

Something a little different arrived this month not an M4, which was big relief, although it does use M16/M4 magazines.

According to the box label the XCR is a collaboration between VFC and Echo 1, both well-known and respected airsoft manufacturers. So this was de nitely worthy of further investigation!

First though, a little background about Robinson Armament Co and the XCR. Robinson Armament is pretty much unknown this side of the Atlantic. A relatively new company founded in 1996 and based at Salt Lake City, Utah, it started life manufacturing and marketing many different civilian and military orientated designs. The company imports a range of Kalashnikov-based ri es (called the VEPR series) from Russia, which have become very popular. It is also well-known for its M96 carbine, which is derived from the Stoner 63.

Its most popular model to date, though, is the XCR Modular Weapon System.

It has proved a massive hit on the civilian marketplace and has so far enjoyed limited success with some overseas military units.

Designed in 2004 by Alex J Robinson (of Robinson Armament Co), production of the rst XCR L version started in 2006. The XCR series was designed as a multi-calibre, gas piston weapon system. It was initially produced and entered into the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) SOF Combat Assault Ri e competition. Unfortunately it was disquali ed on a technicality, but Robinson Armament continued development anyway. Presently the XCR is available for purchase by the US public as well as being tendered into law enforcement and smaller military units. On 13 November 2008 the XCR was displayed to US Army of cials; their goal was to examine modern carbine technology prior to formally writing up the requirements for a future replacement for the M4 Carbine.

As stated, the XCR is a multi-calibre weapon system. While the base platform is chambered for 5.56x45NATO, there are kits available to convert it to 6.8 Remington SPC

and 7.62x39. Conversions to these other calibres and barrel lengths can be completed in a couple of minutes, without needing a trained armourer or any specialist tools!

The conversion kits consist of the new appropriately-chambered barrel and bolt assembly, brass de ector, and all that is left is the correctly-chambered magazine. The XCR is also available in any of the aforementioned calibres too. During its brief existence the XCR has seen continuing upgrades and developments, too many to go into here. There are now many variants of the ri e, with the XCR-M the most popular. Since its initial introduction in 2006 more than 5,000 XCR Carbines have been sold.

VFC/Echo 1 XCRA few things strike you immediately on opening the box. First is how good the ri e looks it takes M4 mags but looks nothing like an M4 derivative. Secondly (and the only downside) it comes with the US-spec bright orange plastic ash hider. With a little effort to break the seal this unscrews though, leaving a 14mm CCW thread.

VFC/ECHO 1 ROBINSON ARMS XCRRatty lifts the lid on something a little different: the VFC/Echo 1 XCR but was he impressed?

THE ARMOURY


The third thing you notice is all the little bits and pieces that come in the box. You do get a metal M16 A2 style ash hider to replace the orange thing, a PEQ box to house your battery and also a short length vertical grip. Not a bad little package!

With the gun out of the box and all rigged up, it has the de nite feel of a very well-put-together AEG. Mostly full-metal construction, it weighs in at just less than 2.7kg without a magazine tted. Still light enough to lug around all day but solid and robust enough to take some pretty rough usage. It has a side folding stock which swings around to the right hand side of the receiver. The stock itself has a soft coating across the top and is tted with a rubberised butt pad, making it comfortable to use. Folding the stock in or out is a smooth and de nite movement, again adding to the overall feel of rigidity. With the stock folded the overall length is only 52cm (20.5in); with it extended its still only 73cm (28.5in).

Layout on the receiver is familiar, and is pretty much a cross between the Armalite series, SCAR and Masada models. There is the licensed Robinsons Armament Co logo on the side of the magwell as well as its own unique serial number. The cocking

lever is located on the left hand side of the receiver and, when used, pulls back the dummy bolt, located on the right hand side of the receiver. This locks back to reveal the hop-up adjuster in the ejection chamber. The bolt release catch is a Masada ambidextrous style, located beneath and forward of the trigger guard. When released the bolt snaps forward and sounds great, which I thought was a really nifty touch.

The pistol grip is comfortable and the safety catch/ re selector is the same as you would nd on a SCAR. It rotates a total of 90 from safe (vertical), semi (45) and full-auto (horizontal). The mix and match continues too: the whole upper is one piece, similar to the SCAR.

Running along the whole top length of the ri e is one continuous 39cm (15in) rail, which allows you to mount all manner of scopes or sighting systems without the annoyance of gaps or uneven rail spaces. On the front end there are a further three 15cm (6in) rails located at the usual positions. This means you can mount the vertical grip it comes with and the battery/PEQ box. Obviously the AEG is wired to the front, with a small Tamiya connector and about 1.5in of wiring protruding through one of the gaps. If you dont fancy having a battery box

mounted then you should be able to t a 7.4v LiPo battery in the front end, out of sight so the weapon keeps looking slick!

The XCR does not come with any form of iron/back up sights, which will be rather annoying to some, but when you are purchasing a ri e at this level then having an after-market sighting system of some kind should not be a problem.

Unlike the real XCR this version can only accept M16/M4 mags. It comes with a VFC 120-round mid-cap magazine which I didnt particularly rate. When youve got a gun that is as realistic and well-built as the XCR its a shame that the mag that goes with it is so toy-like.

Using the XCROnce I had tted a mini-type 8.4v battery into the PEQ box, attached it to the ri e and loaded up the mag with Blaster Devil 0.20g BBs, I headed off to give it a thorough testing.

The mag locates well, with very little wobble, and the selector moves precisely with a de nitive click at each position. On rst pull of the trigger you realise that the quality has been extended to the internals as well. Good trigger response on semi meant some well-placed

Taking the gun out of the box and rigging it all up, you cannot help but feel that its a very well put

together AEG.

014 January 2012

SPECIFICATIONSWeight: 2,700gBuild: CNC-machined one-piece upper receiver; mostly full-metal constructionInner barrel length: 209mmInternals: Quick-disassembly barrel system with new hop-up systemGearbox: New VFC design gearboxMotor: Hi-speed middle-type motorMagazine: M16/M4 120-round mid-capBattery: 8.4v NiMh / Mini type 7.4v LiPoVelocity: 339-349fpsPrice: Expect to pay around 250 Distributed by Redwolf Airsoft: www.redwolfairsoft.com, 01684 273070

accurate shooting, while icking the selector onto full-auto presented me with a very reasonable rate of re of around 850rpm.

After playing with it for a while (and about 12 mags later) I decided it had bedded in enough to get an accurate chrono reading. Using a Madbull V2 Chronograph, the XCR was achieving between 339-349 fps. There were a couple of random shots that peaked at 357fps.

SummaryThe build and performance of the XCR is impressive, and fair play to VFC/Echo 1 for making something a little bit different. If you are looking for an all-in-one AEG thats not an M4 yet with easily available mags then this has to be on your shortlist. With its modern design and all the accessories in the box, there is very little left for you to do. By adding a decent sighting system you can make this a really cool-looking and functional weapon. Personally I would still add my own ashider, the M16A2 style that it comes with it is a bit standard when you consider how funky the rest of the ri e looks. Maybe a silencer option too

There are plenty of customisations available to give it that personal nishing touch. And because it takes M16 mags it will appeal to a much wider audience, as those of you that already own an M16/M4 variant dont have to worry about spending more hard-earned cash on a new set of mags. Its a really solid bit of kit, and with the reliability typical of VFC.

Would I own one? Yes for sure, but dont take my word for it. Check one out at your local airsoft shop and see if its for you.

As rivalries go, it probably ranks up there with the greatest of them. For many the reasons are lost in the fog of history and

myth but we all know that the English and Scots have been at each others throats for hundreds of years. So if you think that 165 players from both sides of the border can congregate in a con ned area and challenge each other in an adrenaline-fuelled, testosterone-driven, pride-at-stake competition without it descending into a riot, surely you must be completely off your trolley!

Well, apparently not!In its fourth year (2-1 to the

English), Stirling Airsofts England v Scotland game took place over the weekend of 3-4 December at the FIBUA (Fighting In Built Up Areas) Village in Catterick Garrison. From what

Scotland had everything to play for at this annual Stirling bash. Nige joined them at Catterick to see if they could beat the Auld Enemy and level the score

OPERATION ARCHER ENGLAND V SCOTLAND

016 January 2012

I understand, the majority of the buildings here were not purpose-built (as in some training areas) but were home to those who served

here. This gives the place a lived in feeling, with the remnants of previous habitation still evident. It is not a sterile environment created for one purpose only this place has a soul,

and that adds to the overall ambience.Having pitched-up on the Friday evening,

I had plenty of opportunity to chat to players as they arrived at check in. My overriding impression was one of eager anticipation especially from the Scots, who were looking forwards to exacting revenge on the English. It had been a long drive so, politely turning down offers of rather odd-looking protein shakes (Yoghurt of Valour, anyone?), I crawled into my sleeping bag for some rest.

Saturday morning was cold but dry and players were soon gathering in the Safe Zone (which was also to be Regen 1 during the game). Accommodation at Catterick is in the blocks used by

visiting personnel so it is functional but clean, warm and dry something very important as the weather reports were predicting cold, wind and rain!

The spotters in the Tower were in a position to see where players could be called from. The arrival of reinforcements wasnt a coincidence they had

been sent to assist

EVENT REPORT


of houses that were once Married Quarters are now stripped of all xtures, ttings and doors to become a veritable rat-run of rooms, corridors and mouse-holes. Burnt out vehicles litter the site and three APCs stand in a eld, while small wooded areas provide a complete contrast to the built-up areas.

A road arcs around the top, enclosing an expanse of grass on which sits a railway line, semi-destroyed buildings, a diamond mine and, at the top, a ve-storey brick tower resembling a block of ats. Under the grass a system of tunnels spreads out from a central location to various points around the site, with exits hidden in buildings and other points along their length dark, damp and very sneaky!

Matt and the guys at Stirling had devised a game plan that would challenge both teams, testing their combined tactical and communication skills while ensuring that non-stop action was almost inevitable. It was going to be 12 hours of hard ghting and this was just day one!

The eventual winners would be the team that had accrued the most points over the weekend. Points were awarded for a number of things. The primary objective was to be in sole occupation of speci c locations at certain times. At the allotted time a marshal would sweep through the location if only one team was in occupation then the points would be awarded to them. If a member from the other team was found to control any part of the location (not just be stood in a doorway) then neither team got any points.

The game was due to start at 11:00am and run for a straight 12 hours, but before anything else a full safety brie ng was given to all players who were then divided into their respective teams. Each team then had an individual brie ng, the English at Regen 1 and the Scots on the far side of the playing area at Regen 2.

During play both Regens would be available to players from both sides. To prevent any potential problems when leaving regen, exit times were staggered so only one side could leave at a speci c time and at other times there was no exit at all. This worked brilliantly and at no time did I hear any complaints about players being shot as they left either regen

(although you didnt have to come too far out of Regen 2 before you were in range of the Scottish snipers at the top of the tower!).

The Scots were 2-1 down and it was clear from the outset that they were in no mood to fall any further behind. As soon as Game On was called they literally tore out of Regen 2 in an attempt to gain as much ground as possible and secure two vitally important locations: The Tower and Hotel Johanna. This they did and, as it turned out, it was pivotal in the outcome of the weekend.

Catterick FIBUA Village has been created to test soldiers in a realistic environment, which makes it an exceptional site for airsoft. Rows

at end-ex the team in possession would win the game.

I have got to say that if the play on Saturday was brilliant then the play on Sunday was simply outstanding. Time after time I saw examples of astounding team play, with movements executed on both sides that looked almost choreographed. It seemed as though everyone had stepped up a gear. As it got closer to 11:00 it all came down to that one last target The Tower.

By 10:30 the Scots had started drawing every man back towards the Tower and had also occupied the entire crescent of buildings opposite. As more and more players poured in it became apparent that the English were going to have one almighty battle to force their way inside, a feat which was quite frankly just too much to expect.

10:45 The Scots now had every player pulled back into defence. The English were gathering their strength just out of range of the snipers, and regen was now closed. I

have

But the Scots werent getting it all their own way the English were scoring some signi cant gains and by game end at 23:00 on Saturday night things were very nely balanced. Everything was to play for on Sunday.

At 07:00 on Sunday the game was reset, with players returning to the positions they were in at game end the previous night. Marshals ensured that buildings were occupied by the same side as they had been before. There were just three target locations to be held at various times today, plus extra points would be awarded to the team holding ve other different locations at 10:30.

End-ex would be at 11:00 and the nal target would be the Tower, but to score all the points for this location you had to control all ve oors

plus the basement. When it came to it, everything

swung on who held the

Tower

To add yet more spice to the mix, sometimes more than one building had to be occupied at the same time or the times might overlap and it didnt stop there. On each side there were ve designated High Value Targets (HVTs). HVTs were worth points and had a ve-minute bleed-out time, during which their HVT tab could be removed and passed to the teams Commander who would register the capture with a marshal.

The HVTs were not known to the opposition but their pictures could be found on one of ve laptops that were hidden around the site. Each laptop carried the picture of one Scottish and one English HVT so by nding the laptops you not only scored points (providing you still had them in your possession at end-ex), you also learnt the identity of the oppositions HVTs.

With play now well underway, action was kicking off all over the site and I had to keep truly switched on to make sure I was where I needed to be.

The Scots had consolidated their position and were now pushing forwards hard, probing English-held buildings and taking full advantage of a couple of spotters at the top of the Tower. These guys were armed with sniper ri es and anyone who came in range wearing Desert camo (the Scots were in woodland) soon became a target and, although the wind often spoiled their shots, they held the position throughout the weekend and were instrumental in a fair number of English casualties.

At one point I was with a group of Scottish players, holed up in a building and under constant attack from English forces. No-one could look out of a window without a barrage of rounds coming at them, the front door was being pounded by grenade after grenade and if it hadnt been for the timely arrival of a squad of woodland-clad players, the building would have been taken. This was when I realised the Scots were also using something else to maximum effect communications!

So far as I could tell, the Scots were keeping their comms really simple: if you werent in trouble then shut up and get on with what youve been tasked to do. If you had a problem, ask for help and, once again, the spotters in the Tower were in a position to see where players could be called from. The arrival of reinforcements wasnt a coincidence they had been sent to assist.

018 January 2012

EVENT REPORT

been in some charged atmospheres in my time and this was one of the best even the wind had dropped and the sun was out!

10:50 With a wall of smoke to give them some cover the English charged across the open ground toward the Tower only to be met by withering re from within. Every door had a Scotsman in it, pouring round after round into the English ranks. If hit his place was immediately taken, and the ring continued, on and on and on

It was one of the few moments that I wished I had a video, not a still camera, to capture the sound. I do not think I have ever heard such a long, sustained burst of airsoft gun re. It seemed to go on for an age, although it was probably only about ve minutes. Watching the action through my Nikon was like watching some war movie, with soldiers being raked down, and even those that moved in to take their place were cut down too.

The English couldnt sustain this level of loss and very quickly their attack faltered and then stopped, leaving just one or two lone runners to attempt the now impossible. As it happened one of them did actually make it unscathed inside the Tower but, when end-ex was called at 11:00, was judged not to be in control of any part of the building, just inside it, so full points to the Scots.

The Scots were rightfully happy with what they had just achieved and celebrated in their usual manner shouting, cheering, thunder ashes and smoke grenades!

The scores con rmed that Scotland had indeed won the game and, back at the Safe Zone, the Stirling Shield was presented to the winning Commander, Paul Quayle. It will be on display at Land Warrior Airsoft for 12 months.

It had been a brilliant weekend and proved once again that airsoft, even competitive airsoft, can be played with passion, honour and integrity. My thanks and congratulations to all who took part, and especially the guys at Stirling Airsoft for organising such an awesome event.

So with the score at two-two, next years event promises to be an absolute cracker. Airsoft Action will be back to cover it only this time I will also be bringing my kit, not just my camera!


STIRLING AIRSOFT CATTERICK SCORES:SATURDAY SUNDAY HVTS AND LAPTOPS FINAL SCORESEngland - 65 England - 15 England - 30 England - 110Scotland - 70 Scotland - 15 Scotland - 45 Scotland - 130

020 January 2012

WEAPON HANDLING AND SAFETY

Weapon handling and safety drills are taught to every member of the Armed Forces and members of the police

force that are trained and quali ed to carry rearms. The thousands of people out there that own private rearms will also practise it diligently. These skills and drills are something that you never forget, as even the slightest mistake can have deadly and devastating results.

In the military these drills are called normal safety precautions (NSPs). These drills are done as soon as you are handed a weapon and at periods throughout the carriage of the weapon until it is handed to another person or back to the armourer.

Weapon handling and safety is a topic thats talked about often but is it practised as regularly? Danny P looks at what airsofters can learn from how how it is done in the military

Now you might ask yourself what the hell this got to do with airsoft. Well, having spent many years around real rearms, and now around airsoft, I can tell you it has a lot to do with airsoft weapons and the players attitude in general. Realistic imitation rearms and imitation rearms only re 6mm BBs, but just because the projectile is relatively harmless does not mean it cant have life altering consequences if proper handling and discipline drills are not followed

How many times have you seen or heard a negligent discharge (ND) in or around the Safe Zone? And how often is the response simply: Oh, what an arse! and nothing more? If that happens in the Armed Forces the offender is often charged, has pay

docked and in some cases ends up in the Glass House (military prison in Essex). Why is it so different in airsoft? Would it be OK if the BB took someones eye out?

I asked this question at a recent event and was told: Yeah, but it never happens! Really? Well I dont want to be the rst to test that theory out!

One of the rst things I was taught was: Never point a weapon at anyone unless you intend to use it. Now I know that is what we play the game for, and that is what the sport is all about, but on more than one occasion I have seen people point a weapon at someone in jest and pull the trigger. In military training manuals it says in bold black letters, THE RIFLE IS NEVER TO BE POINTED AT ANYONE IN JEST.

SKILLS ROOM


Ive seen someone do this in the Safe Zone with a gas blowback. The weapon red and I saw the look of horror on the chaps face, and found myself asking: what did you think was going to happen? The answer is usually, I didnt think there was any gas in it, so it was OK. So what youre saying is that you picked up a weapon, pointed it at your mate for a laugh (with a magazine in it), pulled the trigger and was hoping it had nothing in it? It would have taken two seconds to check if the weapon loaded had gas in it and made it safe. What would you have done if there had been a round in the chamber? Yeah but there wasnt! Hahaha! Lucky hey?

I know that using an AEG is different to a real rearm you cant cock it, pull the working parts back and check that there is nothing in the chamber. But you can on

One of the rst things I was taught was: Never point a

weapon at anyone unless you intend to use it

022 January 2012

gas blowback pistols and ri es. You might say that all you have to do is take the mag out on a gas blowback and it stops working it cannot re as you have taken away the power source. But after an hour at lunch you walk back, get ready to go out, put your mag back in and away you go. Have you already loaded the weapon? Is there a round in the chamber? If you had done a proper unload drill you would know it was

empty. If you havent and cock the weapon again you load two BBs into it not catastrophic but its a pain in the backside to sort out.

The only real way to make an AEG safe is to remove the mag, point the weapon in a safe direction and re a few rounds off to clear the hop chamber then disconnect the battery to make it totally safe. Many people though will start a game, be it a day

or weekend, and just stick their batteries on and pull the trigger to test the weapon. Next thing they know a BB comes ying out and has people diving for cover!

The reason is that the last time they played they wanted to get home ASAP and threw the weapon in its case and off they went. Then they turn up for their next game, forget there is a round in the chamber and hey presto an ND.

Heres another question: how many times have you been handed a weapon in the Safe Zone by a mate, or gone to look at someone elses kit and checked that the weapon is safe and unloaded? Judging by what I have seen time and time again, not often enough!

What would you do if it went off and permanently hurt someone? Feeble excuses and Im sorry, I thought it was unloaded, will only go so far.

It may seem like I am trying to teach people to suck eggs; I am not. What I am trying to do is get people thinking. All it takes is two seconds to check if a weapon is safe and OK to handle, and those two seconds can mean the difference between a good game day and a trip to A&E.

So please, remember to handle your weapon properly and make safety checks one of your standard operating procedures. It will keep both you, and those around you, a hell of a lot safer!

024 January 2012


SITE REVIEW

When most people mention NCIS the first thing that comes to mind is a TV show, not the fantastic, fast-

paced airsoft site located just outside Edinburgh.

NCIS airsoft has been on the go for a fair while (long before I even knew what airsoft was). The site started off as a paintball site but quickly incorporated airsoft and has done ever since, with many zones designed for all different kinds of play. Most notable among these are The Islands which are exactly what they sound: big islands surrounded by a rather large (and not too deep) river!

I had heard of NCIS a few times before my mate finally talked me into the trip out. As we live in Glasgow this was just over a 120-mile round trip for us. NCIS is located just off the Edinburgh South bypass at Hermiston on Calder Road. The site entrance is well signposted so no worries of driving by it.

NCISBarry Collins makes the journey to NCIS airsoft near Edinburgh, a mixed site with some pretty unique features

Once in the spacious car park you are greeted with a large area which is actually the paintball Safe Zone. I was a little confused at first if Im honest, but quickly realised that the paintball section usually runs at one side of the site and airsoft at the other, which allows the two to coexist and operate at the same time while still keeping safety paramount.

When you arrive at the other side of the site you enter the Safe Zone, which is

cordoned off with mesh fencing. Inside is seating and awnings for those bad weather days. After a 10-minute safety brief the first game was set, a warm-up fall back game through the trenches. These are tremendous fun to play as they are actual full-size trenches. This makes for some fierce up close and personal battles.

After the warm-up we moved onto the next game. The objective for one team was to stay in and around the confines of the base (which was full of defences) while the attackers had to get inside the bar and press to win. The game was called Attack the Bar as it did actually resemble a beach-side pub! This game was more in the vein of CQB, very fast paced with some cracking teamwork on both sides. I

The separated land is backed onto a fence, which is the limit of the site. This means that the Islands can only be reached via

the two bridges or you get wet!

026 January 2012


NCISNear Edinburgh (near EH14 4AF)[email protected]: Non-members 15; members 10Ri e hire: 40 (includes ri e, mags, face mask, vest, coveralls, 3,000 BBs)

witness to some very impressive play and efficient teamwork, and the home team (Team Danish) absolutely owned here, displaying some impressive stacking and clearing.

This brought a close to an awesome days airsoft possibly one of my best ever. NCIS is great, local players are amazing and the marshals do a top-notch job running the games and keeping the site fresh and new. I cant wait until my next game it might be a 120-mile trip but its sure as hell worth it!

was knackered after the first round, before teams were reversed.

At this point lunch was called and as with any good site the banter and chat during lunch was top class. Listening to players talking about their kills (and being killed) is what makes this such a fun sport to be a part of.

After lunch we were told the next game would be Attack the Islands. Now I had heard a lot about how much fun this game was and it did not disappoint. They arent islands per se, more a bit of land separated by a river. The separated land is backed onto a fence, which is the limit of the site. This means that the Islands can only be reached via the two bridges or you get wet! Our objective was to wipe everyone out at the first base; defenders were on two lives and out rules. When the game kicked off I immediately realised this was going to be very hard I couldnt even get near the bridges, let alone cross one, so even though I exclaimed I wouldnt I was straight in the river! This was one of the best games Ive ever played during my time airsofting its so much fun playing on a site with that kind of unique landscape. We did finally take the base, but the turnaround was relatively short as we never fared too well against the home teams. Those guys are good!

Last game of the day was a simple Clear the Base. In the middle of the site is a base dubbed the Com Base. This is a well-made square base with satellite dishes and a tower located in the middle. For this game the attackers had to clear the base as fast as they could while defenders

SITE REVIEW

tried to hold out as long as possible. I sat this one out as I was done after my multiple swims (the waters only waist high, but I was being lazy). Again I was

028 January 2012


COMPETITION

WIN...WIN...WIN...Country y

Telephone p

Email

Fancy owning this cracking G&G rifle, as seen in this issue of Airsoft Action (starting on page 50)? Weve got one to give away to you lucky little lot to be in with a chance just spot the five differences between

the pictures below and send us the entry form! If you prefer to email, just email [email protected] quote G&G COMPETITION in the subject bar and list the five differences. Couldnt be simpler!

G&G PM5AS SEEN IN THIS ISSUE OF AIRSOFT ACTION!

Competition open to UK residents (British passport required) aged 18+ ONLY. Prize includes ights, accomodation, course and range fees.

Post your entry to: G&G Competition, Airsoft Action, Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5SZ. Or, email your entries to [email protected], quoting G&G Competition in the headline. Entries received after 20 January will not be valid. One entry per household. Winner will be rst correct entry pulled from the editor's hat.

Blaze Publishing would like to keep you informed of other offers and publications. Please tick here if you would NOT like to be contacted by post or email

030 January 2012

Welcome to a new series looking at upgrades, gadgets and gizmos for your weapons.

In this rst article I will be tting a variable velocity device from SAT to a standard Classic Army M4. The device includes a replacement piston and piston head (which can be adjusted to three different power settings) as well as an adjustment tool.

The VVD is designed to be installed into V2 and V3 gearboxes but is not for use with next-generation Tokyo Marui or PSG-1 gearboxes or extended cylinders.

There are no actual tting instructions provided, although the VVD is a direct replacement for your original piston and shouldnt present any major challenges. However, unless you are con dent in your ability to strip and replace parts to your weapon I would advise taking it to your nearest repair agent.

The packaging has some very clear and well-illustrated instructions on the actual operation and adjustment of the device, and once opened I found both the VVD and adjusting tool to be of good quality and construction.

The adjusting tool consists of a handle, a set of six rods and

an end rod with

V V D

a squared end. The handle also doubles up as a storage device for the rods, which is a very good idea. The adjusting tool does need to be assembled with slightly more than nger pressure or it will undo as you adjust the device. There are holes in the rods so that you can insert a ne screwdriver or allen key for this purpose.

So, onto the installation. First remove

the two main body pins, then the upper receiver; after that remove the stock by unscrewing the retaining screw (you will need a long shank Phillips screwdriver).

Now remove the end cap from the pistol grip (which covers the motor) and extract the motor. Once this is done you will see the two retaining screws which hold the pistol grip in place take these out and

New contributor Banzai gives us the lowdown on tting and using a variable velocity device

WORKSHOP


slide the pistol grip off the bottom of the gearbox.

Next, remove the mag release catch and push out the small body pin (which holds the gearbox into the lower receiver), then extract the gearbox.

To open the gearbox itself you will need to remove all the screws, starting with the four along the ridge then working from the rear of the gearbox to the front (see the picture above). Now open the gearbox but be mindful of the piston return spring and spring guide, as they could pop out. The only thing you need to remove is the spring, guide and the piston itself.

Now replace the piston with the VVD, then put the spring and guide back. Check that everything else is still in place and replace the side of the gearbox.

The rst screw to be replaced is the one nearest the front of the gearbox. After that one work towards the rear, and lastly

SAT VVD is manufactured by Soldat Airsoft Taiwan (www.sat-gunshop.com)Distributed by Redwolf Airsoft,www.redwolfairsoft.comExpect to pay about 70 for the VVD

replace the four along the ridge. Place the gearbox into the lower receiver and push the small body pin back through the receiver and gearbox.

Put the pistol grip back in place and screw it down, but dont over-tighten them or you will strip the thread. Place the motor back inside the pistol grip and reconnect the two cables. Put the end cap back over the motor and screw the two screws back in place (at this point I like to connect a battery and give the weapon a quick test re).

Re t the upper receiver and replace the body pins. Re t the stock tube and screw it back down rmly. Now its time to test its operation.

The test was carried out using a standard magazine loaded with 0.20g Blaster Devil BBs over a Madbull V1 chronograph.

Prior to tting the VVD, the chrono reading was 340fps. The rst readings after tting the device were at 355fps not

a huge difference but perfectly within reason. I then removed the magazine and red the weapon to clear it and put the VVD fully forward within the gearbox. Lowering the adjuster into the barrel, I gave it a gentle twist and it dropped into place inside the locator hole in the VVD; a second gentle twist and the unit located into the second position. With this done I removed the adjuster tool and re tted the mag.

This time the reading came out at 305fps. I adjusted the VVD to its third and nal position, re tted the mag and, having test red for a third time, was quite happy to see another drop in velocity, this time to 265fps.

For eld testing I started with the VVD in its rst position and found there was no real difference in range to that of a standard weapon and I was very surprised to nd that the range in the second and third position was not a lot different to that of the rst!

With all tests completed I can happily say this is a very good piece of equipment, and useful if playing at sites with varying scenarios such as woodland (where a higher fps would be an advantage) and CQB (where a lower fps would be required). However I can also see misuses of this device, as you could ramp up your fps while out on site before turning it down to its lowest setting for chronographing. But I guess if youre the kind of person who would do that, youre probably already one of those players with the special BB-repellent camo!

the VVD is a direct replacement for your original piston and shouldnt present

any major challenges

My approach had been slow and meticulous. The three guys in front of me didnt know I was there and didnt stand a chance. Six quick

shots and theyd be on their way. I raised my ri e and drew a bead on the

farthest away target, but as I started to squeeze the trigger a strange noise broke my concentration, getting louder.

Oh bugger!As the last vestiges of my dream dissipate I

try to focus on my watch and remember where I am

Its 06:00, and for Josh and the crew at Gunman Airsoft it was time to re up the genie and prep for the rst day at Eversley. Time to roll out of my tent and get the kettle on!

Nige reports from the forests of Eversley, whichare once again alive with the sounds of airsoft

EVERSLEY

GUNMAN AIRSOFT

032 January 2012

For those of you that think the name sounds familiar you probably recognise it from its days as Ambush Wargames Eversley (AWE). With the demise of AWE the site had remained largely unused until a few months ago, when Josh Smith of Gunman Airsoft took it on and started the process of bringing it back to life. This weekend was the rst time it had been played since then.

Set in around 300 acres of pine woodland, the 64-acre playing area is full of natural features and topography that make it a players dream. Valleys, open areas, hidden paths, and even a swamp have been complimented by well-placed structures and man-made forti cations that add up to a site with plenty of challenge and scope for variation.

For this opening weekend Josh had prepared

SITE REVIEW


already out in the eld, the attacking side moved off from the LZ to their rst objective and it didnt take long before the BBs were well and truly ying although, with the limit on ammo and a maximum two-second burst on full-auto (a rule introduced to prevent hosing), re- ghts tended to be very concentrated, accurate affairs.

Hits came thick and fast and soon the woodland was lled with cries of Medic! and the screams of the wounded and dying (very loud in some cases). Some of you might frown at this vocalisation but it added a very interesting dimension to the game and it was useful intel for both sides. With in-game medics and mobile regen points, play tended to ebb and ow as rst one then the other team got the upper hand.

The rst two objectives were overrun but turned out not to be designated targets, and it was only after a very hard-fought battle that the attackers forced their way into the third, the remains of a metal Nissan hut set at the end of a valley. This was a target and they proceeded to blow it up with the rst of the explosives. (Note to self: do not take photos of an exploding bomb inside a metal hut it is very loud!)

The second designated target was discovered and blown up shortly afterwards but this was not game over Josh had put a sting in the tail: the team had to pull off a ghting withdrawal back to the LZ, with no regen allowed. The roles would be reversed in the afternoon and the winners would be the team that managed to get most players out alive.

I wont go into a blow-by-blow account of what happened in the afternoon but there were two things that really stood out to me. The rst was something every single player should take note of the second was just simply awesome to watch!

a new FilmSim scenario that involved a number of inter-linked objectives, each set in a different area of the site and each designed around that location.

With the 30-odd players arrived and signed in Josh gave everyone a good brie ng about how the weekend would play and emphasised that the games were more about tactics, teamwork and timing than expending an industrial amount of BBs. To that end, each man could only carry a maximum of 600 rounds and would have to return to a regen point to resupply. To make things more interesting the regen points were mobile, so if you didnt keep on top of things you could return to a regen point only to nd it on the missing list!

Out on the site ve areas had been given call-signs and identity codes, two of which were designated targets (although this latter piece of information was not shared with the players). The attacking teams mission was to discover both the name and ID code for each area, which would then be radioed back to base. Only then would they be told if it was a designated target or not. If it wasnt, then it was time to move on. If it was then it had to be destroyed with one of the two explosive packages they carried with them.

Of course, all this had to be achieved against well dug-in defenders who often had the advantage of elevation or open elds of re and,

to make matters worse, the explosives had four-minute electronic timers

that could be stopped at any time. If they left too soon

it would only take one defender to make

their way back and switch it off.

With the defending team

made very welcome by their adult counterparts.

Today there would be three targets to nd, with long-burning smoke grenades being placed in the rst two (which had to be protected until they burnt out) and a hand-triggered explosive device for the nal one, before withdrawal to the LZ.

With fewer players it was hard work for both sides and there were some pretty intense re- ghts, with

casualties taken repeatedly on both sides. In- eld medics and mobile regen points really came to the fore, as players could get back into action far more quickly and, on more than one occasion, fresh soldiers turned the tide of battle.

During the morning and afternoon games both sides fought to a standstill and although the rst two objectives were achieved each time, neither side managed to ght their way through to the third so the result was a draw.

Back at the Safe Zone players talked through the game and relived the action. You can tell when its been a good day: there is a kind of buzz in the air and the atmosphere is one of knackered happiness! And at the end of Guman Eversleys rst weekender there were plenty of happy, knackered players!

them for nearly 15 minutes, until a player called JB took matters in hand quite literally!

Although barricades at one end of the position create a blind spot, the nearest cover in that direction is a good 30 metres away. Armed with just two ball grenades, JB stepped out of the bushes and lobbed the rst, which fell short. Undeterred he launched the second and I watched in slow-motion as, with fuse burning it prescribed a perfect arc, dropped through the camo netting and exploded inside the dugout, killing all the occupants. You had to see it, but believe me when I say it was awesome!

With both targets destroyed the team made their withdrawal to the LZ and headcount of live players. Im not going to say who had most players left alive because to be honest I dont think it really mattered. Everyone had had a simply storming day and, judging by the smiles and talk, there would be plenty of new war stories down the pub that night!

Not for us though. Along with the players who were staying on site it was time to stoke up the re, pull up a chair, crack open a beer, wait for Josh to cook the chilli and get ready to do it all again tomorrow! By the way, thanks to members of local thrash metal band Scale of Death for their impromptu, a cappella performance. Most, erm, interesting!

Sunday saw slightly fewer players and it was good see the young guns that had arrived being

First though: we can probably all relate stories of how someone cheated, and as an observer rather than a participant I have seen my fair share of it. But I want to state that there is a difference between not taking a hit and not feeling a hit, for example as it bounces off a pouch. At Gunman Airsoft a hit is a hit no matter where it impacts, be it on you or any part of your kit, including your weapon.

I want to congratulate all the players from both days for playing with such honour and integrity and especially the player who, when told by one of his teammates that hed just been hit on the boot, immediately had his hand up and took himself out of the game thats what I call honesty, and that is what airsoft is about!

The awe-inspiring moment came during the assault on Poontang Palace, a dif cult target set atop a small rise, surrounded by slopes with open arcs of re and covered by camo netting. Three defenders were well-entrenched inside and had resisted every attempt to dislodge

034 January 2012

Thanks to all the teams represented over the weekend, including: The Duchy of Grand Fenwick, 256, FOD, Last Chancers and Order 66

with fuse burning it prescribed a

perfect arc, dropped through the camo

netting and exploded inside the dugout...

GUNMAN AIRSOFT EVERSLEY: THE VALLEYEversley, Hampshire RG27 0PYSite type: Mostly woodlandWalk-on (day): 26Walk-on (weekend): 46Ri e hire: 20 (face protection, camo jacket/trousers and mags included)Contact: 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

036 January 2012

038 January 2012

As the last true Prussian Army, the East German National Volksarmee (NVA) carried on a proud tradition of German military values and

saw themselves as the vanguard of world socialism throughout the Cold War.

Indeed, the NVA can truly be said to have stood on the front line of the Cold War. In the event of WWIII erupting, Germany would have become the main battle eld for the opposing armies as the German Fulda Gap presented the best route for the Soviet tank armies to reach the West.

Following WWII Germany was split into democratic West Germany and communist-controlled East Germany. The Germans of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (or DDR, as the east was known) were uneasy and somewhat unwilling allies of the Russians. Moscow had initially stripped the DDR of its industry, wealth and treasures and treated its populace equally harshly, blaming them for the horrors of WWII. Mass civil unrest in 1953, however, caused the Soviets to relax controls over the DDR and the Kremlin soon found East Germany to be a staunch supporter of Socialism. It became not only the best trained and equipped Warsaw Pact (WP) army, but also the most politically reliable.

EAST GERMAN MOTOR RIFLES

1985-89Is the East German National Volksarmees Motor Ri es Soldat a skirmishable load-out? Gadge Harvey puts the last Prussian army under the microscope

Soldat A: the airsoft perspective

COLD WAR WARRIOR


While the exact pattern and shade of Strichtarn varied a little over the years of

issue it was generally issued as a jacket and trousers suit with a

detachable jacket hood often worn as a cover for the

matchstick-sized dark brown raindrops on it, in the late 1960s. This new pattern (known as Strichtarn) may have been introduced to reduce manufacturing costs, or as an attempt to standardise designs with other Warsaw Pact armies (notably Poland, which used a very similar pattern) either way it was not viewed as a particularly effective step by many Western observers.

Germany was forbidden by both the Soviets and allies from having an army after WWII, but in a response to the West rearming the Federal Republic of Germanys Bundeswehr, the communists formed the National Volksarmee of the DDR in 1956. In reality this was little more than a name change; the forces of world socialism had been creating armed DDR police units since the early 1950s. The year before the Soviet Union had formed the Warsaw Pact of allied communist states as a military response to the formation of NATO, which they felt was an aggressive threat to world communism.

Prussian: Determined, smart, ef cientFrom the very outset the DDR was a truly German army encompassing the ancient traditions of disciplined Prussian soldiering and its centuries of heritage. While Prussia itself was wiped off the map by the Soviet reshuf ing of central Europe, the grimly determined, professional, smart and ef cient NVA carried the torch for Prussia.

Unlike many WP armies, where recruits were seldom concerned with smart turnout, immaculate drills or even interested in the pursuit of the arts of war, the East German soldat was a dedicated (albeit conscripted) soldier. This professionalism and esprit de corps is particularly apparent in the standards of the individual soldier. While many other communist conscripts had somewhat lackadaisical dress standards, everything in the NVA was exactly so with a real emphasis on discipline, uniformity and spit and polish.

NVA parade uniforms are a subject about which one could (and many have) write volumes, but for the purpose of this article well look at the summer combat uniform of the NVA and explore its use as an airsofting loadout. As usual, where our chosen models are wearing an item of kit that is either anachronistic or worn purely for health and safety purposes we will make a note of it in the text.

One of the NVAs rst camou age combat uniforms was a rather effective jacket and trousers set in a pattern known as blumentarn (sometimes called potato pattern by collectors). With matching webbing items, a very baggy cut and voluminous hood this uniform was reasonably effective camou age for the NVA soldat or border guard. The West was thus surprised when the NVA switched to a sober olive khaki uniform, with almost indistinct

Soldat B: re-enactment ready

040 January 2012

KIT LISTHat: M56 steel helmet (netted)Jacket: Felddienstuniform in Strichtarn patternTrousers: Felddienstuniform in Strichtarn patternWebbing: Issue dederon webbing; Strictarn-pattern haversackBoots: Combat/patrol bootsRi e: AK47 with wood furniture

of their combat troops. Lastly, to assist in carrying the various impediments required for a weekends airsoft, Soldat A has acquired a couple of non-issue (but appropriate looking) haversacks to store his gear in.

In contrast Soldat B represents the state norm for a purely defensive soldier of socialism, and carries a respirator haversack on his left hip and a eld pack on his back. As the NVA was an entirely mechanised army this pack would spend most of its time onboard the units vehicle. Rolled tightly across the top of the pack is yet another item of personal kit with its roots in WWII the zeltbahn shelter quarter. This camou age cape can be buttoned together with another soldiers to form a rudimentary tent. And lastly, a second water bottle is strapped to

the back of his pack. Again, against the dress regulations of the NVA but

its important that airsofters keep hydrated!

Both men are armed with the ubiquitous Soviet AK47. In the early years the NVA used both AK47 and AKM ri es, but more

common (and unfortunately unavailable for airsoft) is the DDRs domestic variant of the AKM known as the MPI-KM, often tted with a distinctive folding stock and plastic furniture. Other soviet infantry

arms were also used in specialist roles by soldiers of the NVA. Both soldiers are missing bayonets

for their ri es, which would normally be worn on the left opposite the

ammunition pouch but again Airsoft Action cannot recommend taking

real knives and bayonets onto the skirmish eld, so these

have been left off! Next month: US Army

Paratrooper, c.1983

helmet. Other NVA equipment bears striking similarities to that of the WWII German soldier. Like their predecessors, kit was hung from a metal buckled belt by Y-straps, while ammunition for the ri e was carried in a single magazine pouch on the front right-hand side. While the WWII soldier sported leather webbing the NVA opted for a cheaper, hard-wearing and much nastier grey nylon known as dederon. The classic German army jackboot was retained for nearly all combat arms and even the distinctive NVA M56 steel helmet was in fact a prototype 1944 design (the M56 is probably the most ef cient steel helmet ever invented but Hitler rejected the 1944 trial model as he disliked the look!).

On the skirmish eldThis month weve chosen to look at two airsofters sporting NVA infantry loadouts for ease of reference well call them Soldat A and Soldat B. Soldat A is sporting a load-out slightly more geared to the needs of the skirmish eld while Soldat B conforms slightly more to the standardised NVA uniform and equipment.

Both men wear the summer Felddienstuniform ( eld service uniform also known as FDA) in Strichtarn camou age pattern and wear the standard grey nylon and camo canvas webbing. Soldat A has both a very late (roughly 1989) production camou age eld cap and the M56 steel helmet. Soldat B, in contrast, wears his M56 in the far more standard netted con guration.

Rank was traditionally (until the last years of the NVA) worn on shoulder boards in the traditional German style but here both soldiers have omitted

to wear both these and the traditional white collar liner of the eld jacket.

Soldat As use of conventional lace up combat boots further differs from the norms of the NVA the DDR and the Russians continued to issue jackboots to the majority

042 January 2012


TRAINING

Professional Solutions for Personal Defence thats what it says on Pro-Tacts website. Having witnessed a

young girl being taught to disarm a gun-wielding attacker by Pro-Tact instructors at the last Airsoft Arms Fair, I was keen to see more of what they do.

One of the co-founders, Andy Nightingale, invited me to a day-long Snapshot Course for a small group of guys. The object of the day was to give the attendees a short introduction to some of the disciplines that Pro-Tact teaches (many of the subjects covered would normally be a day-long course in their own right).

The day involved a mixture of subjects, some of which would be more relevant

PRO-TACT PERSONAL DEFENCE

to airsoft than others, but each was designed to improve an individuals skill-set and confidence in dealing with certain situations. It kicked off with something many of us tend to forget on a regular basis: a weapons safety check.

Following Andys lead, each man in turn was required to clear their pistol and, with breech open, show it to the man next to them who declared that the gun was clear and safe. Even though weapons were only being dry-fired at this stage this procedure was carried out before every exercise. By the end of the day it had become an instinctive part of the routine.

The next four exercises built on knowledge gained in the previous and started with how to draw and present a handgun in a defensive situation.

Intrigued by what he saw at the Airsoft Arms Fair, Nige Streeter spent a day with the guys from Pro-Tact to nd out more

Tactical pro: instructor Andy Nightingale

Ask any of your friends to draw a pistol and the vast majority will pull the weapon from their holster, raise it in a wide arc to the front and clasp it with both hands, arms fully extended, peering down the sights. This takes approximately a second if done quickly.

Andy argues that time is of the essence when you are defending yourself from an attacker. By teaching people to draw in a different manner this time can be cut to as little as a quarter of a second, with practice. To have a go themselves the guys had to get up close and personal and I mean really close, less than 5ft.

The group practised forcing the attacker back using a technique aptly-named necksnap, while drawing their weapon and

putting (at least) two shots into the chest. Having done a number of dry-fire run-throughs, pistols were gassed up, mags loaded and body armour put on ready for the (nearly) real thing.

Even though youd be very unlikely to

044 January 2012

The group practised forcing the attacker back using a technique aptly-named necksnap, while

drawing their weapon and putting (at least) two shots into the chest

The Pro-Tact Team: (L-R) Tom Troughton, Scott Nightingale, Paul Webley, Phil Diggle and Andy Nightingale

PRO-TACTPro-Tact runs a variety of training courses. Contact Pro-Tact: www.pro-tact.co.uk, [email protected] or call Andy Nightingale on 07788 501184.Pro-Tacts a not-for-pro t organisation all proceeds from its events go to Help for Heroes.

use this while playing airsoft (lets face it, I suspect that if you tried to snap someones neck backwards while shooting them repeatedly in the chest they might have something to say!) it was easy to understand how effective this technique would be in a real-life situation.

Once the attacker had been, erm, subdued, the weapon was placed in Position SUL and an after-action assessment (all-round check and mag change) conducted.

According to Max Joseph and Alan Brosnan, the inventors of Position SUL, it is the only ready position that ensures team safety and handgun retention, even in CQB. The name Sul is Portuguese and simply means south since thats where the muzzle is directed in this position.

The afternoon moved onto two, four and five man room entry using a technique known as wall flood (which does what it sounds like), including simple hand signal communication and closet/extra room checks. This was then repeated in low light conditions, with the addition of smoke and some very loud flash-bangs (I know how loud they were, I was in the room when they went off!).

Eventually the day was rounded off with a reverse of the mornings scenario and training how to disarm an attacker armed with a knife or pistol. This was what I had witnessed at the Airsoft Arms Fair (although performed with, how do I put this, more gusto) and soon there was bodies and rubber knives flying all over the place. Although mildly amusing, the serious side of this is that more and more people are being attacked with knives and it is well worth spending a few minutes learning how to defend yourself. Personally I want to know more!

TRAINING


046 January 2012

TROUBLE SHOOTING?Gunmunkis guide to recognising and solving the basic AEG problems that could ruin your shoot day

DEAD GUNThe most demoralising thing that can happen to any airsofter on a shoot day is a dead AEG. It wont turn over. Its simply kaput.

You could possibly borrow from a mate (with the obvious risk of then breaking their back-up weapon.)

Equally you could spend more cash on a hire gun for the day, or worst of all give it up as a bad job and go home.

Or, you could try and x it yourself!The rst and simplest check is the battery. Is it charged?

This does happen to the best of us, so bear with me. Sometimes you can tell if the battery is undercharged because you can actually feel the motor struggling to turn over in the handgrip.

To test this fault, dont wait to recharge your battery. Borrow a battery from a mate and while youre there check your battery in their gun.

If your battery is the problem, its recharge time.

So, youve determined that your battery is ne, but the gun is still dead. Whats next?All AEGs have connectors to the battery and may also have extra connectors in the neck of the stock or between the foregrip and main body, depending on how the wiring is set up.

Occasionally, especially if a battery is dropped while connecting it, the connector or wires can be pulled loose.

They may seem to be ne at rst glance, but with a careful tug you could nd that they have been disconnected.

It may be possible to push the offending connector or wire back together. If not, you may need a replacement.

New connectors are easy enough to purchase from electrical or vehicle repair shops and are quick to attach with the right tool or with a pair of pliers.

Make sure that you t the wires the correct way around into the connector.

(Quick tip use electrical tape to join internal connectors together so that there is less chance of this happening again.)


WORKSHOPSo, the battery and connectors are ne, but your AEG is still dead. Where to look now?Many AEGs have a glass fuse, which is set to blow in an attempt to save your AEG internals if a problem occurs.

The fuse is customarily close to the battery connection and possibly held within a plastic case.

Check if the wire inside the glass fuse is still there, or if its split or burnt out. If it has you need to replace it.

Glass fuses can be found at electrical or vehicle repair shops and are very cheap.

If you cant source a fuse to get your gun working, you could run a bypass.

However, as with all modi cations, this will invalidate your warranty if the AEG breaks, so Gunmunki does not advise this unless you have no other choice.

To do this just clip together the two fuse connectors and voila you may have a working gun.

Right, still no joy?Time to get stuck in.

Inside the handgrip, or within the stock on AEGs such as the M14, you will nd your motor. Attached to the base of the motor are two wires. Sometimes these are soldered in place but more often they are held in place by spade connectors. As with the connectors mentioned previously these can also work loose.

To see if they have come off you will need to take the plate off the base of the handgrip. This is usually held on by a couple of screws.When removing the base plate be aware that there may be a small metal disc underneath the plate, which may fall out or slip down the

side of the motor.Do not lose this disc of metal as it needs to be placed between the motor and motor plate to allow the motor height to be adjusted.

(Quick tip if you ever lose screws or similar metal parts while working near the motor, check the motor itself as it is magnetic!)

048 January 2012

So the spade connectors on the motor are in place but your gun remains deadUnfortunately, at this point it is probably something inside the gearbox and not a quick x.

Time to go to gun hospital.

So your magazine is feeding ne, but no BBs are coming out of the barrel. What now?Time to see if you have a BB jammed in the barrel.

Do not look down the barrel, even if you are sure there is no magazine or battery in the gun. This is good safety etiquette, as you never know who may be watching you and could copy your example with a loaded AEG.

A BB jam can generally be assessed by a chug chug sound when you shoot your AEG, this is the air trying to push the jam out of the way.

A run through with your cleaning rod should free the offending BB.

Preventing this fault is usually down to keeping your barrel as clean as possible or steering clear of inferior BBs.

Hopefully, this quick guide will help to resolve some of those frustrating shoot day hazards and keep you on the eld of battle.

The gun is working but no BBs are coming outOkay, so your AEG is turning over nicely but not a single BB is coming out of the barrel.

Before you start stripping the gun down, check the magazine.

Firstly is there anything stuck in

the hole jamming the BBs?If not, on top of almost every magazine,

low, mid or high-capacity, there is a small spring clip that holds back the BBs that should be under the pressure of the internal magazine spring.

Pull this back. If you are suddenly showered in BBs your magazine is ne, so move onto the next possible problem.

If the BBs stay in the magazine though you need to nd out why. The most obvious fault, if it is a high-capacity magazine, is that you havent wound it up enough, or equally you have overwound it.

If the magazine is overwound then sometimes simply whacking it against your leg will release the locked up internals. If this does not seem to do the job it may need to be opened up to release the jam. Seek some advice before opening up any magazine as they all dismantle in different ways and have many internal parts.

050 January 2012

Ive seen things come and go in airsoft, and more going than coming, but every now and then an outside-the-box idea comes along and makes everyone think

now that is clever. G&G has boasted a continual string of ideas for a few years now, each more brilliant than the last. The PM5 RTB is the latest in this long line of functional, funky and fantastic innovations that have been unleashed on the airsoft market.

The brand-spanking-new PM5 RTB (note PM5 as G&G does not hold the licenses required to use the proper name) appears externally to be an MP5

A5 with a collapsible stock. When you open the pretty box you are

greeted by the standard G&G supplies of instructions and bag of BBs (that are actually usable, for a change, and biodegradable no less!), plus two standard shaped hand guards and this is the very clever bit.

G&G has devised a fast-swap battery system that is built into the hand guard. The best part is that unlike clever TM systems, G&G actually gives you two batteries and the charger with the package. On top of that you get a 200-round high-cap magazine and a bountiful chest of airsoft goodness to say the least!

I was already impressed with the package then I picked up the ri e. At a hefty 2.8kg it feels very solid; the only other airsoft MP5 I have felt thats this nice was a Systema version. Everything that should be metal here is metal, and it doesnt appear to be your usual cheap lightweight cheese alloy either. There is no unwanted movement from the stock or the body, the rear sight is metal and easy to adjust and the ri e comes with a QD ash hider.

G&G PM5-A4 RTBAlthough hes never owned an MP5, Scott Allan nds himself tempted by G&Gs PM5 RTB

THE ARMOURY


Charging the battery couldnt be easier either, just use the supplied dock. Plug it

in and check the charging lights, similar to modern power drill chargers. Each battery is an 11.1v LiPo that provides a rate of re around 1,000 rounds per minute, which is quick but not insane. The batteries have a 1600mAh capacity which, considering it is a LiPo, will be plenty to last most game days. Plus if youre particularly trigger-happy you have a second battery to fall back on happy days! Firing from the box around 350fps with Blaster 0.20g BBs the power is consistent, and the hop keeps your shots nice and true.

The MP5 design has been around for

a long time, one of the oldest in airsoft if truth be told, but G&G has not only faithfully replicated the design, the company has made an outstanding airsoft ri e. Its patented pneumatic blow back system is functional, and not detrimental to the performance of the ri e in any way.

Recently I had the chance to use a PM5 RTB in a game. The only thing

that had been altered was the

tting of a Laylax 6.03 tightbore

barrel. I can, hand on heart, say that Ive

only used a handful of ri es that shot as well

as that ri e did. The player who owned it boasted that

he was yet to use the full-auto as it was just so damned

accurate.So, would I buy this ri e? Hmm

Tough one!I am a skirmisher through and through

and have had many ri es that failed to impress me and were rapidly sold (just the thought of my old King Arms 556 is enough to bring me out in a cold sweat). For me a ri e must perform well without

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? FLICK TO PAGE 29 FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE CHANCE TO WIN A G&G PM5-A4 RTB!

Everything that should be metal is metal, and it doesnt appear to be your usual cheap lightweight

cheese alloy either

052 January 2012

being a nightmare and the MP5 design has never oated my boat as a collector or a player, mainly due to storing the magazines during games (but saying that, I never had an M4 until a couple of years ago!). On the ipside the PM5 RTB does shoot as well as some of the best ri es I have ever used, so does tick that box.

SPECIFICATIONSWeight: 2,685gInner barrel length: 233mmGearbox: Metal, 8mm bearingMotor: 25,000rpm hi-torque long axisMagazine: 200-roundBattery: 11.1v 1600mAH (incorporated into handguard)Velocity: 350fpsPrice: 329.99Available from Land Warrior Airsoft: 0161 354 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

For me, blowback on a ri e is not a big plus point and neither is the ability to upgrade the gearbox is already a brilliant design with 8mm bearings and should last the test of time. Personally a tightbore barrel is as far as I ever go with upgrades, with Laylax 6.03 my favourite. So the fact that you cannot change the handguard to

a different type may put some people off a little but does not worry me. It would not surprise me if G&G did release a RIS battery grip in the future for those players who need it.

In short,

issue 05 - jan 2012

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