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8 ARMOURY: DELTA ARMORY STRIBOG CHARLIE
As you’ll see as you work your way through this issue of AIRSOFT ACTION we’ve decided to follow a theme, that of SMGs, Machine Pistols, and all things “9 mil”, and there’s an AEG model in this category that we’ve been eagerly anticipating since we first saw it for real at IWA earlier this year, the STRIBOG SMG from DELTA ARMOURY! Bill gets some rangetime and reports back…
18 ARMOURY:VFC MD9 GBB PDW
Every so often a gun comes across Stewbacca’s armoury workstation that’s perhaps a little unassuming or not one he’s been awaiting with baited breath as such, but that totally wins him over on performance and fun factor nonetheless! It seems VFC’s licensed Maxim Defense MD9 PDW GBB is just such an example, so what are his thoughts after getting to grips with it?
26 ARMOURY: THE BRITISH FORCES AIRSOFT COLLECTION
The new VFC L403A1 GBBR that we featured last month appears to be getting A LOT of attention online, with many comments centring around how cool many of you around the world find “Brit Kit” loadouts, so we thought that we’d give a little bit of a “special” in our ARMOURY section for this issue as Bill speaks to Mike at the BRITISH FORCES AIRSOFT COLLECTION about all things “ally”!
40 RED CELL: SMG UPDATE 2025
It’s time for the core members of RED CELL to wrap up yet another category as we move towards the end of our long-term testing, and this month they turn their attention to a group of AEGs and GBBs that many of you out there love… the SMG and Machine Pistol! With so many to choose from we thought that we’d close this category by looking at a few of the models that are a little more “esoteric”!
34 TECH: HOLY WARRIOR HWO-HOLO2
We all love the optics that sit on top of our AEGs and GBBRs, and there’s a whole host of them to choose from, both real and replica, out there… So what makes a good optic, and why should we fit a certain type to our skirmish platforms? Bruno investigates this question as he takes a close look at the latest holo-sight from HOLY WARRIOR!
64 KIT & GEAR: PHANTOMLEAF
Regular readers and followers of AIRSOFT ACTION will know that we’re always searching for really cool camouflage solutions for both clothing and gear, and we’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the very best in the “cam and concealment” community over the years; therefore when we had the opportunity to take a close look at PHANTOMLEAF you’d better believe that we took it gladly!
80 AA LEGION TAIWAN: BADE STREET SHOWDOWN 2025
Following last year’s Bade Street survival festival that encompassed e-sports, general online gaming and a taste of airsoft guns and gear delivered by our own Military Anny and Stewbacca, this year saw the return of the event with the addition of local retailer and distributor YMS Airsoft providing a wider array of airsoft replicas for the general public to get hands on with!
56 KIT & GEAR: HOT WEATHER KIT
As we draw ever closer to the end of what has been a truly long and hot summer of airsoft and our thoughts start to turn to the darker months ahead, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve been using both on the range and “off duty”, and now is the perfect time to pick up some bargains to set yourself up for next year! Miguel gets straight to the long and “short” of it…
72 SPECIAL REPORT: REAL WORLD DRONE TECH
If you take any interest at all about current events then you can’t escape the fact that the once-humble drone has now become a serious “force multiplier”! Every so often members of the AA Crew and our friends still get invited to check out “the real deal”, and so it was that our old mate Ratty and AA Legionnaire Rich found themselves at an “undisclosed location” to check out something pretty cool!
88 AA LEGION INTERNATIONAL: AAWS PART II
To be honest, Stewbacca’s been equal parts excited and dreading having to write this, given his propensity to war and peace his way through ten to twelve pages for a typical Level 3 National Action Air Event of twelve stages over a weekend, and has been contemplating just how to cram all of the adventure of a thirty stage comp with three solid days of shooting, and ten days in country with all the fanfare and intrigue as well as the human stories…
M1 GARAND
• ICS integrated 8mm bushing gearbox (M1 with MOSFET)
• Large battery compartment (M1)
• Real wood stock and handguard (M1)
• Rear-fixable charging handle for easy H-UP adjustment (M1/M3)
6 8
6
• Realistic design. With safety and full-auto fire selections (M3 for full-auto)
• 2-piece aluminum alloy metal receiver (M3)
• Adjustable steel retractable stock with 2-length selection (M3)
8mm bb
6mm bb
M1 GARAND
ICS-202
ICS-201L
ICS-200
M3 GREASER
M3 GREASER
THE NEXT ‘BOG THING!
AS YOU’LL SEE AS YOU WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH THIS ISSUE OF AIRSOFT ACTION WE’VE DECIDED TO FOLLOW A THEME, THAT OF SMGS, MACHINE PISTOLS, AND ALL THINGS “9 MIL”, AND THERE’S AN AEG MODEL IN THIS CATEGORY THAT WE’VE BEEN EAGERLY ANTICIPATING SINCE WE FIRST SAW IT FOR REAL AT IWA EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE STRIBOG SMG FROM DELTA ARMOURY! BILL GETS SOME RANGETIME AND REPORTS BACK…
Yup, we’re definitely into all things SMG and “9 Mil” this month with our two headline reviews, and a RED CELL special that brings our long-term test models properly and fully up to date!
But, as this and the next review will show, there’s always space for a new model, and when it comes to AEGs the one that I’ve REALLY been looking forward to is the STRIBOG, based on the real Grand Power AP9 A3S variant that was submitted to be evaluated for the US Army’s Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) program, sadly losing out to the Brügger & Thomet APC9K…
That’s actually one hell of an achievement for
one of the lesser known companies in the real firearms world, and that fact that the STRIBIOG was under evaluation in the first place indicates what a cutting-edge platform it is, and it certainly got my attention for that reason alone!
Regular readers of AIRSOFT ACTION will have seen information on Grand Power when I looked at the airsoft version of the FREYA AR, but to recap briefly Grand Power s.r.o. is a defence supplier specialising in the design and manufacturing of firearms and tactical components such as sound suppressors, and they’re based in Banská Bystrica, not a million miles away from the HQ of DELTA ARMORY who have replicated both the FREYA and now the STRIBOG under licence in AEG form.
If you visit https://grandpower.eu and check their Law Enforcement and Military category then the STRIBOG features loud and proud, alongside
“THE ONE THAT I’VE REALLY BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO IS THE STRIBOG, BASED ON THE REAL GRAND POWER AP9 A3S VARIANT THAT WAS SUBMITTED TO BE EVALUATED FOR THE US ARMY’S SUB COMPACT WEAPON (SCW) PROGRAM, SADLY LOSING OUT TO THE BRÜGGER & THOMET APC9K…”
DELTA ARMORY STRIBOG CHARLIE
other models such as the 7.62×39 ARAQ47, 5.56 NATO GP M4 variants, and the 7.62×51 NATO GP R10… in fact the multi-calibre STRIBOG variants round out what is a tight yet impressive offering!
Acknowledged as both reliable and upto-the-minute, the real STRIBOG is also awesomely modular, coming ready to roll with fully ambidextrous fire controls, M-LOK slots for accessory mounting, a contiguous Picatinny top rail, and a 1913/20mm Picatinny stock interface. So basically the STRIBOG is a totally modern submachine gun platform produced in multiple calibres and barrel lengths, available in select-fire configurations for military and law enforcement, while civilian shooters can get it as a semiautomatic pistol-calibre carbine designed for sport shooting and personal defence….
It’s quite the list, as the variants include the AC9: a submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm, fitted with a 10” barrel and a folding stock, the AP9: a shorter-barrelled version of the AC9, with an 8” barrel, the AP9 A3S: a variant with a 5.5” barrel and a folding or collapsible stock, the SR9: a semi-auto carbine chambered in 9x19mm, fitted with a 10” barrel and a folding stock…. I can go on and on to be honest, but the A3 is the one
“ACKNOWLEDGED
that we’re really interested in, although the TT: a legal “pistol” chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, with a 10” barrel and similar features to the SP9 certainly sounds interesting!
The Grand Power website tells me that... “the STRIBOG AP9A3 is a select fire submachine gun from worldwide renowned STRIBOG family of products. Chambered in 9×19 NATO, this weapon offers semi-automatic as well as full automatic modes, operated by positive ambidextrous selector which also serves as safety lever. AP9A3 is delayed blowback operated, which provides for excellent accuracy and controllability even in fully automatic operation.”
Between the military/LE variants and the civilian versions though, the STRIBOG has a lot of versatility baked-in, and in airsoft form it means that it will cover off an awful lots of potential loadout concepts!
THE AEG TAKE
I’m no stranger, thankfully, to the AEGs that DELTA ARMORY (DA) produce, and their AR AEGs have just got better and better over time, with the latest FREYA that I looked at last month being a fine
AS BOTH RELIABLE AND UP-TO-THE-MINUTE, THE REAL STRIBOG IS ALSO AWESOMELY MODULAR, COMING READY TO ROLL WITH FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS FIRE CONTROLS, M-LOK SLOTS FOR ACCESSORY MOUNTING, A CONTIGUOUS PICATINNY TOP RAIL, AND A 1913/20MM PICATINNY STOCK INTERFACE”
example of what can make a fine AEG truly great. Therefore I had high hope for the STRIBOG, and when I say it was “eagerly awaited” I mean exactly that…
It was due to be launched down at the National Airsoft Festival, but the customs clearance folk over the water had ideas of their own of this, and word is that every single AEG leaving DA for Patrol Base had to be individually inspected… suffice to say it wasn’t until a few weeks later that the AEGs finally arrived in the UK, so my eagerness to check one out was exacerbated further!
But was it worth the wait, and what was I waiting for?
After some discussion with my mate Pete at Patrol Base he outlined for me exactly what was on offer; much like the DA M4/R-15 series, the STRIBOG was be released in multiple configurations, different colour combos, and with slightly different internal setups so as to suit player wallets and play-styles. As the STRIBOG is officially licensed by Grand Power, the ALPHA variants come with a metal upper receiver mimicking the real very well indeed, so for the MilSim end of the spectrum this is where it’s at. However, there’s also the high-density-polymer-
bodied CHARLIE models and these have been put together for players that want a lightweight and manoueverable skirmish tool that they can run with all day long!
Taking the spec direct from DA:
“STRIBOG™ in ALPHA™ form boasts a CNC aluminium monolithic upper receiver and fibre reinforced polymer lower receiver, just like the real thing. If you’re into realism, this is the STRIBOG™ to go for!
The CHARLIE™ STRIBOG™ is made predominantly from Delta’s superb quality fibre reinforced polymer, with an alloy outer barrel, thread protector and 1913/20mm Picatinny stock interface. If you like to move fast and skirmish with every advantage on your side, this is the STRIBOG™ for you!”
So externally the difference is, as always, a choice between polymer and alloy, and I love the fact here that DA have given “we, the players” both options to choose from, and to be honest both look great, and the only way you’re going to tell them apart is the actual feel. As I wanted to check out a model that the majority of skirmish players might choose I plumped for the STRIBOG SP10A3 AEG Upgraded CHARLIE (polymer-
“BETWEEN THE MILITARY/LE VARIANTS AND THE CIVILIAN VERSIONS THOUGH, THE STRIBOG HAS A LOT OF VERSATILITY BAKED-IN, AND IN AIRSOFT FORM IT MEANS THAT IT WILL COVER OFF AN AWFUL LOTS OF POTENTIAL LOADOUT CONCEPTS!”
bodied) variant in Olive Green, although mirroring the real thing, DA’s replica will be available in a variety of colour combos, including multiple upper and lower combinations, as well as Full Black, Tan, and Olive Green options.
Picking it out of the box, the 1910g SMG felt great, and at 400mm long it settled nicely into my hands; all the STRIBOG variants come without any sighting options so you’ll need to add irons of perhaps an RDS, and they also come without a stock, simply the five-slot 1913 stock interface. DA do provide various options for a folding stock as accessories, the RIS Stock Minimalist or the more regular-shaped Stribog Stock, but any “interface stock” will fit, and my PTS version went straight on. I placed my stock in a mid-position on the Picatinny bar which suits me, but if you do want to mount it lower then you need to ensure that you don’t obscure the little allen bolt at the bottom, as this releases the bar so that you can access the battery compartment!
Moving forward along the upper, this is a pretty slab-sided affair with minimal fuss anywhere (apart from some very nice, fully-licenced trades), staying true to the “A3 mil” version, and the rail up to gives acres of space for accessories with a whopping THIRTY-THREE uninterrupted placement slots, with a further ten-slot rail on the underside at the sharp end. At six and nine you get three M-LOK slots per side, and the STRIBOG comes with a pair of five-slot rail sections prefitted, one per side… Basically you just need to grab a bag of accessories and got to it to your heart’s desire…
A nicely achieved, knurled cover hides a 14mm CCW thread for the muzzle, and to be honest the STRIBOG just croons the need for a tracer unit or suppressor; I simply fitted a chunky muzzle device that looked cool to me and keeps everything nice and compact. The Olive Green lower is also beautifully finished, a one-piece deal that includes and ergonomic pistol grip with
a stippled finish that will work well with gloves. The integral trigger guard is also slightly oversized for this purpose, giving lots of room around the A-profile, flat-face trigger itself. Above the trigger you’ll find the ambi fire-selector, and although there are no markings this is “AR-standard”, so a no brainer.
The cocking handle on the upper (almost “MP5-psoitioned”) stands loud and proud, and pulling this back will open, and lock open, the ejector cover which in turn allows you to easily access the rotary hop adjuster; this has a very positive and smooth feel, and once set it stays in place well. A “bolt release” on the left of the lower snaps the ejector cover closed again (I always like this!), and ther only other control you need to worry about is the mag release, which can be operated from either side by way of a button, or via the small paddle behind the magwell.
SOUND INSIDE
You may recall that I mentioned the STRIBOG I had to test was the “Upgraded” CHARLIE, and essentially there are two levels of internal setup to choose from, and neither is a slouch, with the “Upgraded” models just refining a solid setup.
Just FYI, the “Standard Version” has a V2 gearbox with a full steel-toothed rack SHS piston, along with an SHS tappet plate and sector gear delayer. The steel 18:1 gear-set runs on 8mm bushingsand a true quick-change spring system makes adjusting power effortless. The 6.03mm precision barrel delivers should give good accuracy from the get-go , and the EAGLE programmable ETU adds advanced functionality, offering programmable fire controls such as 3- or 5-round burst, binary trigger, sniper delay, semi-only mode, AUG mode, adjustable trigger sensitivity, pre-cocking, and variable active braking.
The “Upgraded Version” moves things right
“MOVING FORWARD ALONG THE UPPER, THIS IS A PRETTY SLAB-SIDED AFFAIR WITH MINIMAL FUSS ANYWHERE (APART FROM SOME VERY NICE, FULLY-LICENCED TRADES), STAYING TRUE TO THE “A3 MIL” VERSION, AND THE RAIL UP TO GIVES ACRES OF SPACE FOR ACCESSORIES WITH A WHOPPING THIRTY-THREE UNINTERRUPTED PLACEMENT SLOTS”
DELTA ARMORY STRIBOG CHARLIE
along, featuring CNC 16:1 high-speed steel gears, a CNC aluminium piston head, cylinder head, and nozzle. The cylinder and QD spring guide are also CNC-machined from steel for added strength and reliability. A high-torque motor provides extra power to for the upgraded internals. As with other EAGLE™-equipped platforms, the trigger is also mechanically adjustable via a grub screw, allowing you to shorten trigger travel and crank out some seriously rapid double-taps. All internal parts are standard TM AEG spec and compatible with an almost infinite number of internal upgrades.
The internals of the Upgraded Version have already proven themselves in the Delta Armory’s previous Grand Power replica, the R-15 FREYA™ Gen.2, which has been warmly received by the Airsoft community both for its unique looks and impressive downrange effect.
DOWNRANGE
The 120 BB magazine (DA quote them as 120, Patrol Base as 100) is again a sturdy polymer, and although dedicated to the platform, it’s lightweight so it’s easy to carry a lot of them; it loads and feeds well, and although I’m not usually a fan of transparent “bullet mags” this one actually looks pretty darn good, and at just a tenner a pop building up a “combat load” of them isn’t going to break the bank.
Testing with .20g BBs resulted in a respectable and immediately usable average of 0.94 Joule/319fps through the chrono which means the STRIBOG is usable straight out of the box for almost any site. Moving up to .28g, once the hop was re-adjusted and set (easily done as it’s just behind the correctly-sized ejection-port cover) the little SMG was reaching out accurately to the 30m extent of the woodland range and punching the steels just using “irons”, and adding a T1 on top made target to target transitions smooth and
fast. In my opinion it will be a great little platform for CQB encounters where engagement distances are more “feely”, but also perfectly usable in a woodland game too.
My time so far with the STRIBOG thus far then has been extremely positive; I’ve tried many “SMG/MP” models that have been upgraded quite heavily and the DA gives them a run for their money as a stock gun. As I’ve said of some other manufacturers recently, although DA have been a little quiet of late after releasing a whole slew of AR platforms onto the market, again it’s been “time well spent” obviously, and the massive effort put into the FREYA is undoubtedly paying dividends as they extend into new territory.
And although it’s a small package, bottom line is that the STRIBOG is actually a very capable little all-rounder of an AEG, and the balance between light weight and its minimalist size makes it easy to manipulate even in the tightest of spaces, and the downrange performance has proved first-rate, that it’ll be no problem when you need to get double-tapped BBs away quickly, especially when the active brake is on, and the trigger is feather-light!
Based on my experience with DELTA ARMORY AEGs in the last couple of years, and what we’ve found from other models that I’ve tested, I’m expecting nothing less than excellent performance from this stunning little well-priced SMG as it beds in, and it has most definitely been worth waiting for! I also believe that we’ll be seeing MUCH more from DA in the future, and I for one look forward to finding out what they come up with next.
As always, my thanks go to Pete at www. patrolbase.co.uk for facilitating the test sample of the STRIBOG. For more information on this model (and other models in the DELTA ARMORY line-up) please visit their website on a regular basis as there are new things arriving every week! AA
“MOVING UP TO .28G, ONCE THE HOP WAS RE-ADJUSTED AND SET (EASILY DONE AS IT’S JUST BEHIND THE CORRECTLY-SIZED EJECTION-PORT COVER) THE LITTLE SMG WAS REACHING OUT ACCURATELY TO THE 30M EXTENT OF THE WOODLAND RANGE AND PUNCHING THE STEELS JUST USING “IRONS””
“ALTHOUGH IT’S A SMALL PACKAGE, BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE STRIBOG IS ACTUALLY A VERY CAPABLE LITTLE ALL-ROUNDER OF AN AEG, AND THE BALANCE BETWEEN LIGHT WEIGHT AND ITS MINIMALIST SIZE MAKES IT EASY TO MANIPULATE EVEN IN THE TIGHTEST OF SPACES, AND THE DOWNRANGE PERFORMANCE HAS PROVED FIRST-RATE”
DELTA ARMORY STRIBOG CHARLIE
POTENT MAXIM
EVERY SO OFTEN A GUN COMES ACROSS STEWBACCA’S ARMOURY WORKSTATION THAT’S PERHAPS A LITTLE UNASSUMING OR NOT ONE HE’S BEEN AWAITING WITH BAITED BREATH AS SUCH, BUT THAT TOTALLY WINS HIM OVER ON PERFORMANCE AND FUN FACTOR NONETHELESS! IT SEEMS VFC’S LICENSED MAXIM DEFENSE MD9 PDW GBB IS JUST SUCH AN EXAMPLE, SO WHAT ARE HIS THOUGHTS AFTER GETTING TO GRIPS WITH IT?
Our friends at VegaForceCompany have been keeping me pretty busy these last few years with service rifle replicareleases like the FAL, FNC, OSW, a myriad of AR pattern guns both classic and modern as well as the most recently released Knight’s Armament KS1 I’ve also been enjoying along with Bill also being sent a unit for his review and contemplation back at UK HQ.
With all this excitement on the ‘VFC big guns’ and a few releases of pistols that were keenly awaited likewise, I somewhat overlooked the Maxim Defense MD9. Seeing the MD9 at MOA2024 at the top of the stack on the Maxim Defense licensed replicas wall, the smallest of its siblings, it seemed somewhat unassuming and perhaps not my own cup of tea as such, being a very short PDW style system likely not best suited to my orangutan frame.
Nonetheless, the hype seemed real! A bunch of other friends and content creators secured theirs upon release while I was in the Philippines dealing with all my world shoot shenanigans, but I was told there was also a unit waiting for me upon my return, so off I went to the VFC Pentagon Service Centre as soon as I got back; don’t want to keep people waiting, or a new gun un-accosted for too long now, do we fellow shooters?
Despite my initial musings about its diminutive stature and barrel length compared to my typical fare, I was nonetheless impressed with the construction quality and general finish, as well as the handling. It actually works really well for me one handed, and would likely be an ideal
shield bearer’s weapon if you’re into police/SWAT or similar type loadouts, or otherwise need to keep your support hand free for objective based tasks in game. Similarly given its relatively small footprint and telescopic stock it sits well within your torso profile for centre-slinging or even throwing across your back if you’re in a more officer or sniper style role where you need a more unobtrusive and less encumbering platform that doesn’t get in the way of your movements but still delivers surprising performance.
Eager to try it out, I naturally took it along to my next IPSC session for zeroing, printing groups on paper and general tuning and running it on stages, at which it was extremely wieldy and snappy! Many of my compatriots were already running them in similar IPSC or IDPA environments and experimenting with various red dot sight selections (it doesn’t include back up iron sights at all, which is something to be aware of, so either supply your own or skip them and slap on your preferred optical sighting system!).
I first elected to put an ACRO clone on a riser block for the initial training session, and while I managed to get by very well, it wasn’t possible to properly zero the ACRO due to the height above bore and the lack of sufficient downward dot biasing, after which I decided to try an SRO clone direct mounted to the top rail which was somewhat more successful, but still problematic at times despite my success at using them on many of my pistols and even FAL and OSW at times.
No doubt due to the positioning closer to my
“SEEING THE MD9 AT MOA2024 AT THE TOP OF THE STACK ON THE MAXIM DEFENSE LICENSED REPLICAS WALL, THE SMALLEST OF ITS SIBLINGS, IT SEEMED SOMEWHAT UNASSUMING AND PERHAPS NOT MY OWN CUP OF TEA AS SUCH, BEING A VERY SHORT PDW STYLE SYSTEM LIKELY NOT
capsules lasting two or
This allowed me to reload BBs on the field without
While supplied with its new generation long-stick Glock magazine which is aluminiumbodied and thus ultra-light compared to the older alloy long magazines, this did have a few issues with hanging up during extended strings of fire, as well as BBs stacking too close to side by side at times and binding up as a result, much like the later generation PP2K magazines I had similar issues with previously.
Having contacted the VFC guys they thought it might be due to painting finish variations on the earlier batches, and should be less of an issue in the longer term.
I also took to using the Max Tact internallyregulated CO2 powered magazines for Wednesday night Linkou CQB and weekend Pewniversity games, which performed flawlessly and very consistently, and are mid-length, giving more capacity than the standard VFC Glock pistol magazines that obviously also work in the MD9, but being less cumbersome than the full length extended stick magazines which present more of an issue for carrying effectively and securely in
the magazine well, giving an all-round handier package with a better aesthetic I feel. Yijun would end up using the standard alloy VFC long stick magazine in the competition for the sake of convenience and capacity without having to reload or carry extra magazines on her shooters belt during the five rounds of each stage.
Having been extremely satisfied with the short term performance within the 10m or so ranges of SPPT’s IPSC training space, and the fast cycle time of the shorter bolt, great consistency and short crisp trigger pull and reset; with a pull weight just below a kilo or 2lbs, and a travel of only around 3mm, with no slack or wall, the reset is very positive and right back at the front of the short travel, and it allows for superbly fast double taps or strings of fire in general, whether on competition stages or in force on force settings.
To be fair I think I overdid it a bit on the Wednesday night CQB session I fielded it at, overpowering the opposition guys a little too aggressively given the volume of fire achievable
“I WAS NONETHELESS IMPRESSED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION QUALITY AND GENERAL FINISH, AS WELL AS THE HANDLING. IT ACTUALLY WORKS REALLY WELL FOR ME ONE HANDED, AND WOULD LIKELY BE AN IDEAL SHIELD BEARER’S WEAPON IF YOU’RE INTO POLICE/SWAT OR SIMILAR TYPE LOADOUTS”
even in semi auto only games due to the trigger and bolt throw both being very short and crisp, coupled with the near two hundred BBs plus I had on me in loaded magazines, it kind of made me a little more trigger happy than usual!
While it really sings in close quarters engagements, it’s not just limited to them however!
I was equally surprised when I took it along to Xindian and the longer 85m flat plain we test guns on there, with it reaching out surprisingly effectively towards the 50-60m range with ease using 0.3g-0.36g BBs; obviously it wasn’t printing such tight groups at that range, but for minute of man shots it will do the job well enough despite the short 120mm internal barrel akin to most pistols, as well as the overall profile of 436560mm.
There are five different extension locking cutouts spaced around 30mm apart in the sturdy CRS style telescopic stock stanchions, released by the serrated button on the left of the stock socket mount, squeezing the right side stub lever simultaneously will allow the complete removal of the stock.
The HOP unit is easily accessed with a suitable 2.5mm allen key through the top of the picatinny rail just ahead of the seam between the receiver and handguard, although bear that positioning in mind when it comes to mounting your optics of choice if you need to have uninhibited access to it.
CONTROLLING VIRTUES
Just to the rear of the stock controls is a convenient integrated QD socket on the rear plate of the stock socket which I found ideal for my integrated sliding sling setup on my plate carriers and the central location of it allows for ease of transitioning handedness in CQB environments.
The magazine releases are ambidextrous with long serrated flappers on both sides, but the fire selector and bolt release paddle are only on the left hand side. The charging handles are ambidextrous, forward canted and serrated levers which give a travel of around 60mm to fully cycle the bolt, which snaps back with some authority given the buffer system in the stub tube under the CRS style stock. Indeed the bolt release is likewise very positive and the bolt slams shut on a fresh magazine in
“PERFORMANCE WISE THE 120MM BARREL GIVES AN OUTPUT SIMILAR TO A PISTOL IN TERMS OF MUZZLE VELOCITY AS WELL, CHRONOING AROUND THE 93M/S MARK ON 0.2G BBS (0.9J), 83M/S ON 0.3G (1.05J), 80M/S ON 0.36G (1.15J), 78M/S ON 0.4G (1.2J) AND 77M/S ON 0.43G (1.3J) WITH A FAIRLY CONSISTENT OUTPUT OVERALL AND THE VARIANCE NARROWING GREATLY AS BB WEIGHT INCREASES”
a confidence-inducing manner that lets you minimise your reload time in conjunction with the raked magazine well. The lowered front lip allows you to index the front face of the magazine forwards against it and guide the whole thing into the magazine well easily even in a hurry; I found it very easy to run slickly and repeatably as a result.
The fire selector is very positive in its transition between fire modes, and as is typical cannot be put on safe without the hammer cocked. The spring-loaded dust cover is fairly standard AR fare despite the shorter 9mm bolt throw, the bolt itself still being a similar length overall bolt carrier length regardless of the shorter overall movement.
The pistol grip is slightly shorter than usual but is comfortable with front and rear grip surfaces and can be replaced with other AR grips if preferred, and the front end handguard is just long enough for me to get my hand upon, just shy of the 120mm inner barrel length and only sporting a single M-LOK slot on all eight of its faces aside from the top picatinny rail space. There’s the licensed Maxim defense lettering engraved on both sides, and the bottom slot comes with a handstop installed to help prevent your support hand finding its way in front of the wide muzzle device which can be unscrewed from the outer barrel by turning the inner component with an appropriate tool; sometimes the recoil will loosen this as well so you may have to tighten it down periodically or otherwise isolate it somehow… the Max Tact CO2 mags in particular really get the bolt moving vociferously!
The charging handle lever on the right did also find its way loose a few times with my example again due to the increased recoil; thread lock might be the order of the day to prevent such loosening. Besides this it otherwise ran excellently and I didn’t find any issues with it as such.
A NEAT PERFORMER
Performance wise the 120mm barrel gives an output similar to a pistol in terms of muzzle velocity as well, chronoing around the 93m/s mark on 0.2g BBs (0.9J), 83m/s on 0.3g (1.05J), 80m/s on 0.36g (1.15J), 78m/s on 0.4g (1.2J) and 77m/s on 0.43g (1.3J) with a fairly consistent output overall and the variance narrowing greatly as BB weight increases.
However, why take just my word for it?
During the testing and evaluation phase for this review it just so happened that the ‘Ding Ding Cup 2025’ steel challenge match would be occurring just prior to writeup for deadline. Given that I’d already spent a month or so behind the MD9 on my own terms following my return from the world shoot, I figured I’d give the opportunity to Lin YiJun to use it for the steel challenge match as I would be using the L403A1 and CZ Shadow 2 Orange for my own competitive efforts.
Having already seen Lin YiJun climbing the ranks locally and excelling in both airsoft and real steel shooting while we were in the Philippines I figured her thoughts would be most worth sharing, especially for other female shooters who have the same considerations to make when choosing an appropriate gun, so over to her:
“As a female competitive shooter, I hold high expectations for every piece of equipment I use. The VFC Maxim Defense MD9 GBB immediately impressed me upon first handling. Its compact design and lightweight build capture the refined balance between agility and stability. The construction closely mirrors the real firearm’s proportions, giving it a tactical yet elegant appearance. The weight distribution is particularly well-suited for female shooters—steady during shoulder firing, balanced in both hands, and comfortable even through extended training sessions.
“HAVING ALREADY SEEN LIN YIJUN CLIMBING THE RANKS LOCALLY AND EXCELLING IN BOTH AIRSOFT AND REAL STEEL SHOOTING WHILE WE WERE IN THE PHILIPPINES I FIGURED HER THOUGHTS WOULD BE MOST WORTH SHARING, ESPECIALLY FOR OTHER FEMALE SHOOTERS WHO HAVE THE SAME CONSIDERATIONS TO MAKE WHEN CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE GUN”
“In terms of performance, the MD9 delivers consistent and predictable trajectories - the recoil is smooth and easy to manage, allowing tight grouping even in rapid fire. The adjustable hopup system responds precisely, accommodating different BB weights with ease, enabling consistent hits during quick target transitions.
“Another strong advantage is its compatibility with Glock magazines - for shooters who already own Glock GBB pistols, this cross-platform flexibility streamlines logistics and simplifies reloads during drills or competitions. The magazine insertion feels solid, and gas efficiency
remains stable throughout firing cycles.
“Overall, the VFC Maxim Defense MD9 GBB is a well-balanced, reliable, and stylish airsoft carbine; it perfectly blends maneuverability with shooting precision, making it an ideal choice for shooters who value both mobility and control.”
Many thanks to YiJun for sharing her thoughts and experiences with us, and I look forward to sharing more of her ideas in future as well; we don’t have enough female voices in the community to my mind and she’s clearly a very capable and diligent competitive shooter as well as spending her time skirmishing in the south of Taiwan when she finds the time.
So, despite not singing to me initially due to it being a more modern and potentially obscure platform I wasn’t much aware of in terms of its real world service, I was nonetheless extremely impressed by the performance, handling and just sheer fun factor of the VFC Maxim Defense MD9 PDW GBB. If you’re in the market for a compact but forcemultiplying backup gun or more manageable platform which runs on regular VFC Glock mags for compatibility and convenience, or want to run a PCC that’s ideal for competitive shooting, then you’ll be joining the ranks of a great many existing players doing so if you invest in one of these great little gas guns!
Many thanks as always to the fine folks at VFC and their Pentagon Service Centre as always for facilitating the sample for our review. AA
“I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED BY THE PERFORMANCE, HANDLING AND JUST SHEER
FUN
FACTOR
OF THE VFC MAXIM DEFENSE MD9 PDW GBB. IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A COMPACT BUT FORCE-MULTIPLYING BACKUP GUN OR MORE MANAGEABLE PLATFORM WHICH RUNS ON REGULAR VFC GLOCK MAGS FOR COMPATIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE… INVEST IN ONE OF THESE GREAT LITTLE GAS GUNS!”
AS REAL AS IT GETS...
THE NEW VFC L403A1 GBBR THAT WE FEATURED LAST MONTH APPEARS TO BE GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION ONLINE, WITH MANY COMMENTS CENTRING AROUND HOW COOL MANY OF YOU AROUND THE WORLD FIND “BRIT KIT” LOADOUTS, SO WE THOUGHT THAT WE’D GIVE A LITTLE BIT OF A “SPECIAL” IN OUR ARMOURY SECTION FOR THIS ISSUE AS BILL SPEAKS TO MIKE AT THE BRITISH FORCES AIRSOFT COLLECTION ABOUT ALL THINGS “ALLY”!
Last Month I had the great pleasure, along with Anny in Taiwan, to introduce the new VFC L403A1 GBBR, and Stewbacca and I shall be coming back to this new model when we’ve got some BBs down our respective barrels on the range and in-game.
The L403A1 pretty much brings my own collection of “modern” British forces RIFs right up to date as it now comprises purposes the L9A1 Browning, L2A3 Sterling, L34A1 Suppressed Sterling, L1A1 SLR, Colt Model 604 (M16), L42A1 Bolt Action, a bevy of different MP5s, and then L85A1, A2 and now A3 variants, long and shortbarelled L119A1s, and an L119A2. All are fitted with as close as I can get to correct optics and accessories, and along with their eastern bloc counterparts and a few unusual and esoteric additions to the collection, they form a display that I sometimes run alongside a friend at local shows.
Now I thought I was doing pretty well ...until Ratty gave me “the nod” and I saw THE BRITISH FORCES AIRSOFT COLLECTION (BAFC) down at the National Airsoft Festival this August!
After speaking to the owner of this fabulous collection of UKLF shooters, Mike, I realised that actually what I had was the START of a nice little display, as his replicas took things to a whole new level of accuracy in portraying the different marques and variants over the years, with reworked and re-stamped bolts, the correct armourers marks, and even replication of the bar codes on the SA80s… It is a truly stunning collection, and one that he’s been generous to share images of with me in order to share them with you too.
As much as I love a bit of living history, Mike’s collection of airsoft replicas is truly a thing of joy and wonder. If you like your RIFs to be absolutely correct, and if you get the chance to see the collection “in the flesh”, then I would urge you to take the time to do so, and also if you’re lucky
spend some time talking to Mike as well, as his enthusiasm is infectious!
Sadly, not all of our readers around the world will have this opportunity and, knowing that there are many of you out there that “love a bit of Brit kit” in all its “allyness”, I asked Mike if he would be able to share a little of his story with us, and graciously he agreed to answer some questions…
AA: So, Mike, it was an absolute pleasure to speak with you down at the NAG and to get the chance to view your collection! Before we get into things proper, could you fill us in a little on your own “airsoft journey” as a player in the past?
BFAC: Hi Bill, it’s always a pleasure. Well, I’m bit of an old school airsofter; I started playing around 1997/8 and spent a few years just skirmishing with friends. Then, as more sites opened and more brands of AWEGs and GBBs, and upgrades appeared my kit improved, and I started doing some of the more serious games before they became MilSims. Here, I started taking loadouts and platform setups more seriously. Then around 2012, I was welcomed into a team called the London Ghosts, a great bunch, and playing was, and is always a laugh. I’m still playing to this day, but now I’m a lot older, so it’s more a case of the mind is willing, but the body is weak…
AA: I know your collection is specific to British Forces variants; what timeline do you cover?
BFAC: For the moment, it’s mainly post-WW2 up to roughly 2020. There’s plenty of platforms to cover without all the newer or WW2 stuff. Winning the lottery may change that…
AA: What started you on the path to creating your current collection?
BFAC: Well, it kind of started around 2005. Over the years a few British pieces had entered the overall collection such as the STAR SA80, ARES L115, Tokyo Marui SIG P226, and a few others. So I had already started collecting British platforms, but it wasn’t a real passion at the time,
“HIS REPLICAS TOOK THINGS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF ACCURACY IN PORTRAYING THE DIFFERENT MARQUES AND VARIANTS OVER THE YEARS, WITH REWORKED AND RE-STAMPED BOLTS, THE CORRECT ARMOURERS MARKS, AND EVEN REPLICATION OF THE BAR CODES ON THE SA80S… IT IS A TRULY STUNNING COLLECTION”
as I was running other loadouts. Things changed when I got to work on my L7 GPMG; I then came into contact with two great guys, who just provided me with so much info on a vast array of UK platforms, and then just spiralled from there really…
AA: What would you say is the key to getting a British (or any other) airsoft replica as accurate in replication to the “real deal” as you can?
BFAC: I would say, time, research, and plenty of reference pictures! It’s about finding the right parts/furniture, where things are placed, or where a particular platform is weathered or worn more, depending on time frame and theatre. You need to research painting and weathering processes, as not all processes work as well as others. In terms of placement of things, obviously all armourers are different, but to use an example I’ll take the SA80 A1s and early A2.
You’d typically find the armoury or “BUTT” number on the front (under the barrel) and to the side of a handguard, as well as on top of the SUSAT. Later A2’s had these placed at the rear of the platform, and the SA80 UGL would have its number on top of the heat shield, on the hatch to the gas parts. SA80 A3s now have QR codes plates; these are placed on left side, just right and above of the fire selector, with a small QR code plate on left side of the OS4 sight. It’s these little details that help a take a project a long way, even if you’re not confident, nor want to weather your RIF.
AA: So what advice would you give someone if they want to create a British Forces platform of their own?
“MIKE’S
COLLECTION IS TRULY A THING OF JOY AND WONDER IF YOU LIKE YOUR RIFS TO BE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, AND IF YOU GET THE CHANCE TO SEE THE COLLECTION “IN THE FLESH” THEN I WOULD URGE YOU TO TAKE THE TIME TO DO SO, AND ALSO IF YOU’RE LUCKY SPEND SOME TIME TALKING TO MIKE AS WELL”
BFAC: Blimey…. so many factors here! It all depends on the individual’s finances, time and how accurate they would like to go! I’d start by thinking about what you want to achieve; are you just after a generic, cheap, skirmishable look? Or are you after a specific platform/loadout/ regiment or just after a specific time frame, like the Falklands or Afghan? What role would you like to do? Sniper? Support gunner? Once you’ve made a choice then go from there.
AA: Do you have any favourites in the collection, and if so, why?
BFAC: I do indeed, and it has to be my GPMG! That beauty has been a labour of love from the beginning, and has her own story to tell! There is also a very funny story from Longmoor; I was at an old Airborne MilSim event and we got in a firefight at the FOB from the second row of houses. Most “rounds” were falling short, so the OPFOR started taunting our side, “you can’t hit us”...their catcalls came from the upstairs windows. I plonked the GPMG down on a concrete up-stand of sorts, and as its full steel, the loud clonk was enough to draw attention to me. Hand gestures came from the OPFOR windows, thinking they were safe, so I flicked the safety catch… next thing you could hear was my BBs bouncing off the metal window shutters… they weren’t so cocky then!
AA: Conversely, is there any model that has eluded you to date, and why is that?
BFAC: Oooooh, there’s actually a few, mainly the really obscure pistols that have been in use. The airsoft counterparts were once made by companies now long gone; for example, I have been searching for a Walther P5…. the only model was a NBB pistol from 2001/2. Same with some parts too; some parts are no longer available, long discontinued, or as above, companies long gone. But finances have played a huge role too here, as a few rare pieces have slipped through my grasp. They always seem to appear at the wrong times, or at ridiculous prices!.
Now I wouldn’t say eluded, as it wasn’t produced, but apart from the GPMG, the only other RIF I’ve always been looking for is a BREN!. And lo and behold, Viva Arms are releasing one! However, right on cue, funds aren’t what they once were… so I think I can live without a kidney, right? (Yeah, you can ...and I speak from experience! Bill)
AA: Are you able to advise other interested players on their own builds, or do you create custom builds for others? How can players get hold of you?
BFAC: Oh absolutely. I’m more than willing to share any info or knowledge to help others with their builds. Unfortunately, I don’t create builds for others, but I have met up with folk, or had bits sent to work on in the past. Unfortunately work hours have seen to that… but I will still help where I can.
I’m usually reachable on whatsapp, where I have an actual British Forces Weapons Group with a nice bunch of lads, with real world experience of the platforms, and other, wider ranges of knowledge. Other places are Instagram or the AFUK forum as Darkmikey22… of you can always find me via any member of the London Ghosts who will point you my way.
AA: To me your collection appears to be pretty darn comprehensive; what are your plans for future builds, and where do you see it heading in the future?
BFAC: Thank you. The collection is never short of builds; I’ve had two here for nearly three years waiting on those ultra-rare parts to appear. And there are certainly still more replica platforms on the list to obtain. As for the future, I would certainly like the collection to be more accessible, or at least the information. I was asked some time ago to perhaps create a portal/ website for people to access reference pictures, and a list of parts… but IT is NOT my forte! I’m still finger painting on the wall of my cave, haha…
“THINGS CHANGED WHEN I GOT TO WORK ON MY L7 GPMG; I THEN CAME INTO CONTACT WITH TWO GREAT GUYS, WHO JUST PROVIDED ME WITH SO MUCH INFO ON A VAST ARRAY OF UK PLATFORMS, AND THEN JUST SPIRALLED FROM THERE REALLY…”
AA: As a final question, where can players find you and your collection to view other than at The NAF?
BFAC: At the moment it’s just The NAF; this was the first year it was set up nicely. Last year’s weather (you were there so you know!) tore the hell out the gazebo so I didn’t display all weekend. I would certainly like to venture out to more events; I have been nudged by a few people to attend “Shift Your Rift” and the like, as they feel the collection would get a better following… so watch this space!
Mike, thanks so much for talking to me and answering my questions, and it really has been a delight to find someone that truly shares my passion for British platforms… and I have to say
more accurately than me! I sincerely hope that the collection goes from strength to strength, and I look forward to seeing it again soon.
If you’d like to check out Mike’s collection for yourself, and as I said I would urge you to do so if you have any interest whatsoever in accurately replicating “Brit Kit”, then you can catch up with him at UK events, more in the future I hope… make the effort to seek him out… you’ll be glad that you did!
To find out more right now you can go to BFAC on Instagram - darkmikey_22 or find him on the the AFUK Forum - Darkmikey22 AA
“IT’S ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT PARTS/FURNITURE,
WHERE THINGS ARE PLACED, OR WHERE A PARTICULAR PLATFORM IS WEATHERED OR WORN MORE, DEPENDING ON TIME FRAME AND THEATRE. YOU NEED TO RESEARCH PAINTING AND WEATHERING PROCESSES, AS NOT ALL PROCESSES WORK AS WELL AS OTHERS”
“I WOULD CERTAINLY LIKE THE COLLECTION TO BE MORE ACCESSIBLE, OR AT LEAST THE INFORMATION. I WAS ASKED SOME TIME AGO TO PERHAPS CREATE A PORTAL/ WEBSITE FOR PEOPLE TO ACCESS REFERENCE PICTURES, AND A LIST OF PARTS… BUT IT IS NOT MY FORTE! I’M STILL FINGER PAINTING ON THE WALL OF MY CAVE”
TRUE HOLO
WE ALL LOVE THE OPTICS THAT SIT ON TOP OF OUR AEGS AND GBBRS, AND THERE’S A WHOLE HOST OF THEM TO CHOOSE FROM, BOTH REAL AND REPLICA, OUT THERE… SO WHAT MAKES A GOOD OPTIC, AND WHY SHOULD WE FIT A CERTAIN TYPE TO OUR SKIRMISH PLATFORMS? BRUNO INVESTIGATES THIS QUESTION AS HE TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT THE LATEST HOLO-SIGHT FROM HOLY WARRIOR!
In the rapidly-evolving world of tactical optics, few companies have stirred up the entry-level market quite like Holy Warrior. Founded in 2010, the company began by manufacturing tactical equipment and optical sights primarily aimed at the airsoft community. Over the years, Holy Warrior developed a reputation for durable, affordable red dot and reflex sights designed to mimic the aesthetic of real steel counterparts. But in 2024, Holy Warrior did something unexpected; they released a true holographic sight, the HWO-HOLO2, at a price point no one saw coming!
In this issue I’m taking a deeper look into this bold optic and unpacking what makes it such a compelling alternative to much more expensive offerings from giants like EOTech. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the HWO-HOLO2, let’s set the stage with a quick optics 101: What’s the real difference between red dot and holographic sights?
At first glance, both red dot and holographic sights perform the same basic task; they provide an illuminated aiming point to increase target acquisition speed and accuracy. However, they go about it in very different ways.
A red dot sight is relatively simple in design. Inside the housing, a small light-
“HOLY WARRIOR DEVELOPED A REPUTATION FOR DURABLE, AFFORDABLE RED DOT AND REFLEX SIGHTS DESIGNED TO MIMIC THE AESTHETIC OF REAL STEEL COUNTERPARTS. BUT IN 2024, HOLY WARRIOR DID SOMETHING UNEXPECTED; THEY RELEASED A TRUE HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHT, THE HWO-HOLO2, AT A PRICE POINT NO ONE SAW COMING!”
WARRIOR HWO-HOLO2
This creates the familiar dot reticle that appears to hover over your target. Most red dots are 1x magnification and are marketed as “parallax free” (although some minor parallax can occur at closer ranges). They’re lightweight, battery-efficient, and widely available, perfect for CQB, competition, and general use.
Holographic sights, however, are more complex; instead of reflecting a light from an LED, a laser diode illuminates a holographic reticle embedded in a special transparent film within the glass. This laser-generated reticle appears to float in 3D space, usually at a set distance (often 100–200 meters), making target acquisition feel more natural and consistent, even with slight eye movement or head shift.
One major advantage of this design is when paired with magnifiers holographic reticles maintain their size, whereas red dot reticles appear to grow when magnified. Additionally, the durability factor is no joke, if the front lens is cracked or shattered, a holographic sight can still function because the reticle isn’t reflected, it’s embedded in the viewing plane.
DIVING DEEPER
Now that we understand the tech, let’s dive into what makes the HWO-HOLO2 so special.
At a glance, it shares the visual DNA of an EOTech EXPS3, an iconic holographic optic known for its durability and battlefield performance. But unlike many budget optics that merely look the part, the HWO-HOLO2 actually delivers a true holographic reticle, making it one of the only affordable options in its class.
Priced well under US$400, it’s astonishing value considering real holographic sights typically cost double or triple that. Built with a K9 opticalgrade holographic glass lens, the HWO-HOLO2 delivers a crisp, parallax-minimized reticle that floats naturally in view. It features a 1 MOA** centre dot surrounded by a 68 MOA outer ring,
the exact style preferred by professionals for fast, intuitive aiming.
The sight offers 20 levels of brightness, including 10 dedicated night vision settings, making it compatible with both standard NVGs and digital night vision scopes. In use, the brightness steps are intuitive and easy to adjust via the rubberized buttons, even while wearing gloves.
The first time I brought the HOLO2 to the range, I handed it off to a group of teammates, most of whom had never experienced a real holographic sight before. Their reactions were unanimous, “this feels weird… but really cool.” The “grainy” appearance of the reticle, an inherent trait of holographic sights due to the laser diffraction, is often mistaken for a flaw, but it’s actually a sign you’re looking at the real deal; it’s the same visual texture you’ll find on premium models from EOTech.
What really stood out was the ease of target acquisition. That 68 MOA outer ring draws the eye instantly to the centre dot, which is ideal for both close-quarter engagements and transitional target shooting. Whether I was running drills on shooting targets or shouldering from unconventional positions, the reticle was always there, clean, stable, and clear.
Zeroing the HOLO2 was a surprisingly pleasant experience. It offers a 60 MOA range for both elevation and windage, and though the adjustment dials don’t produce loud tactile clicks, they’re responsive and precise, as 1 click equals 0.5 MOA. This gives you plenty of finetuning potential whether you’re running a carbine, SMG, or even an offset configuration on a DMR platform.
The sight window itself measures a respectable 30mm x 23mm, providing an unobstructed and generous field of view. This becomes especially important during dynamic shooting when peripheral awareness is key.
“HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHTS, HOWEVER, ARE MORE COMPLEX; INSTEAD OF REFLECTING A LIGHT FROM AN LED, A LASER DIODE ILLUMINATES A HOLOGRAPHIC RETICLE EMBEDDED IN A SPECIAL TRANSPARENT FILM WITHIN THE GLASS. THIS LASERGENERATED RETICLE APPEARS TO FLOAT IN 3D SPACE, USUALLY AT A SET
OUTSTANDING PERFORMER
What truly elevates the HWO-HOLO2 from “great value” to “outstanding performer” is its attention to detail in areas that are often overlooked in budget optics. For instance, the sight features an infinite eye relief (or pupil exit distance), which means shooters can maintain full sight picture regardless of head position, perfect for dynamic movement or unconventional stances.
The UFC full-broadband nano anti-reflective coating on the viewing window delivers superior light transmission and glare reduction, giving the user exceptional clarity even in harsh sunlight. The optic’s low battery warning system, which flashes the reticle to alert the user, is a small but professional-grade touch. Combined with a smart 4-hour auto shutoff, these features show that Holy Warrior isn’t just cutting costs, they’re engineering smarter.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional looking for a reliable training optic, the HWOHOLO2 punches far above its weight class and proves that innovation doesn’t have to come at a premium.
I’ve used this optic in a variety of conditions, including a downpour that had lesser optics fogging up and shorting out. The HOLO2? Rock solid. Its CNC-machined aluminum body is rugged, coated with a hard anodized finish, and rated for 1,500 Gs of recoil shock. It’s waterproof and fog-resistant, holding up under environmental stress you’d usually expect only pricier optics to endure.
The included quick-detach mount is sturdy and repeatable, allowing for easy removal and remounting without losing zero, a feature particularly appreciated by those running modular setups or switching between platforms.
Online, the HWO-HOLO2 is gaining a cult following among airsoft players, preppers, and even real steel shooters who want a low-cost backup optic or a holographic experience without
breaking the bank. Many report that the sight performs admirably even on real-calibre firearms like 5.56 and .308, though Holy Warrior officially markets it as airsoft and training-grade.
Still, for those who want a true holographic experience, not just a red dot in disguise, it’s hard to find anything else on the market that delivers this level of performance, feature set, and aesthetic for such a reasonable cost.
Holy Warrior’s HWO-HOLO2 is more than just a budget optic, it’s a genuine step forward in making real holographic technology accessible to the broader tactical and enthusiast community. While it may not completely replace a top-tier EOTech for those heading into combat, it’s an incredibly capable sight for training, competition, or serious airsoft use.
It looks the part. It feels the part. And most importantly, it performs the part. For anyone who’s wanted to experience the difference a real holographic sight makes, but couldn’t stomach the US$600+ price tag, the HWO-HOLO2 is your chance to get in the game, without getting burned. AA
“PRICED WELL UNDER US$400, IT’S ASTONISHING VALUE CONSIDERING REAL HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHTS TYPICALLY COST DOUBLE OR TRIPLE THAT. BUILT WITH A K9 OPTICAL-GRADE HOLOGRAPHIC GLASS LENS, THE HWO-HOLO2 DELIVERS A CRISP, PARALLAX-MINIMIZED RETICLE THAT FLOATS NATURALLY IN VIEW”
**So, what is “MOA”?
In weapon sights, MOA stands for “Minute of Angle”, an angular measurement used to adjust for accuracy, where 1 MOA is approximately 1 inch at 100 yards and proportionally larger at greater distances. For example, 1 MOA would be 2 inches at 200 yards or 3 inches at 300 yards. Scopes often adjust in clicks of a fraction of a MOA, such as 1/4 MOA, which translates to a 0.25-inch shift in the point of impact at 100 yards.
“WHETHER YOU’RE AN ENTHUSIAST OR A PROFESSIONAL LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE TRAINING OPTIC, THE HWO-HOLO2 PUNCHES FAR ABOVE ITS WEIGHT CLASS AND PROVES THAT INNOVATION DOESN’T HAVE TO COME AT A PREMIUM”
RED CELL SHORT AND OH, SO SWEET!
IT’S TIME FOR THE CORE MEMBERS OF RED CELL TO WRAP UP YET ANOTHER CATEGORY AS WE MOVE TOWARDS THE END OF OUR LONG-TERM TESTING, AND THIS MONTH THEY TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO A GROUP OF AEGS AND GBBS THAT MANY OF YOU OUT THERE LOVE… THE SMG AND MACHINE PISTOL! WITH SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM WE THOUGHT THAT WE’D CLOSE THIS CATEGORY BY LOOKING AT A FEW OF THE MODELS THAT ARE A LITTLE MORE “ESOTERIC”! AS ALWAYS, BILL LEADS OFF…
Over the course of the past few years both as a group and individually the members of RED CELL have shot a huge number of AEGs and GBBs, and both our knowledge of the platforms themselves and their idiosyncrasies has expanded. When you “live with” a bunch of airsoft platforms day in and day out you come to know them in intimately, and by sharing our knowledge with each other on a regular basis we have come to truly know what makes “bestest gnu”, and what to look for.
I’m pleased to say that, for some of the models, overall nigh-on five years of continuous testing has actually resulted in very, very few “catastrophic failures”, and with a modicum of maintenance virtually all the original platforms we started out with are still going strong! This says an awful lot for the quality new now get, and expect, from the manufacturers, and bodes well for the future of airsoft in years to come.
But as usual I digress as we’re here this month to talk about our SMGs, and although the category has grown considerably we’re going to concentrate on the models that are either newer, or generally for some reason get less attention than the attention-grabbing “headliners”. And as I have said before, an SMG or Machine Pistol is worth its weight in airsoft gold, and a well-tuned one can be equally effective in the woods as in an urban setting, and for the smaller player the sheer lack of weight and physical size means that the SMG is something you can run all day with, and hold your own in any setting.
In my opinion everyone should own at least one airsoft SMG, and although I’ve owned SMGs in AEG form these days I find myself increasingly drawn to GBBRs across the board, and let’s face it there are some awesome models out there to choose from! GBB SMGs are getting better and better, and whether you use more conventional gas or an HPA system, the truth of the matter is that the “motive force” driving these platforms along is of better, more consistent quality, giving performance that we once only dreamed of! So, bottom line? Whatever you prefer to power your SMG, the fact is that you’re going to end up with something pretty darn cool if you add one to your armoury… but that’s enough from me, and I’ll now hand over to the members of THE CELL to talk more…
TEAM TALK
Boycie: I still have the first (I think) MPX in the UK which I managed to source via a friend in HK. I liked it so much that I wrote a review of it for the magazine. I really like it as it’s compact and almost the newer type of the MP5 style of “machine pistols”. It was a bit sluggish when I first got it but that was down to the motor; once I fitted one of my Warhead motors, the performance was hugely different. When I went out to play I did think a 50 BB shorter mag (replicating a real 15rd mag) would have been really fun. I got a sling point which could go in the 1913 rail at the back where the stocks attach, this would allow me to use a holster type harness and carry it
“IN MY OPINION EVERYONE SHOULD OWN AT LEAST ONE AIRSOFT SMG, AND ALTHOUGH I’VE OWNED SMGS IN AEG FORM THESE DAYS I FIND MYSELF INCREASINGLY DRAWN TO GBBRS ACROSS THE BOARD, AND LET’S FACE IT THERE ARE SOME AWESOME MODELS OUT THERE TO CHOOSE FROM!”
pretty much concealed under a jacket. It brought a smile to my face when I did that as I would be going round the sites with a pistol and when the opposition thought that they had me cornered “He’s only got a pistol”, I would quietly put a 100 BB mag in the MPX and then wait for the fun to commence. Frequently I would get calls of “Oh hell there’s more than one of them in there!” and during one game I held off 10-15 players for around 20 minutes, before a lucky pyro throw got me.
I’ve said to Li’l Stu on several occasions that the MPX is one of the AEG’s that I’ll keep for those days when I want to just go “slick” running a basic plate carrier, mags on the belt and a pistol. I’m yet to try out one of the GBBR variants but even if I do then I will retain the AEG variant as it’s, for me, an all-weather platform.
Stewbacca: The KWA MP7 has to be one of my all-time favourite platforms, although I have barely touched mine in fairness since began acquiring a bunch more product samples! It was the first GBB SMG I ever owned which I bought second-hand off a teammate here in Taiwan after my first Christmas in country, otherwise only having had the HK45 for my first four or so months of gaming in country.
Purchasing additional magazines to bring my total up to four, I rapidly became addicted to fielding the KWA MP7, largely because I was playing almost exclusively at Action Bunker in very close quarters, although I had to resort to throttling the gas nozzle with a sliver of plastic glued on its inside face to drop the muzzle velocity down to 115m/s or less for their field limits! You can get ‘CQB Bolts’ separately to achieve the same restriction and make it interchangeable to readily suit different field limits.
The KWA MP7 in general has been an awesome platform in my experience; of course it is at around 80% of true scale being based upon
the dimensions of the earlier original (rushed) Marui AEP system which was apparently scaled incorrectly from a photograph where it was being held by an atypically large demonstration guy. Nonetheless it works brilliantly with a distinctive sharp, barking report on firing and it lobs BBs out to a reasonable range and accuracy, coupled with 40 round magazines and ease of handling, although the trigger is perhaps a little Glock like with a longer and somewhat creepy trigger which tends to have a rolling break, albeit quite light at around 1.5lbs or 700g of weight. I have no experience of the VFC or WE variants but they are at least at true 1:1 scale; I may look to replace my somewhat worn KWA with a VFC at some point but it isn’t really a priority as such.
The ambidextrous controls are very convenient especially for my hand size, with HK pistol style flapper magazine release levers on both sides
“IT BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE WHEN I DID THAT AS I WOULD BE GOING ROUND THE SITES WITH A PISTOL AND WHEN THE OPPOSITION THOUGHT THAT THEY HAD ME CORNERED “HE’S ONLY GOT A PISTOL”, I WOULD QUIETLY PUT A 100 BB MAG IN THE MPX AND THEN WAIT FOR THE FUN TO COMMENCE”
at the bottom rear of the trigger guard where it meets the pistol grip, as well as bolt release levers on the receiver sides above the trigger, and convenient thumb actuated fire selectors on both sides at the back upper corner of the trigger guard space, the trigger also features an inertial safety ala Glocks and the only other controls in reality are the stock release and the sliding buttons on the integral fold down front grip which latches up under the receiver and fits flush with the bottom edge of the trigger guard allowing it to be holstered conveniently in a dedicated thigh or waist rig setup which makes it a very portable and compact system giving you more capability than a pistol without a much larger profile and similar carrying options. This makes it ideal for snipers or other roles to sling on their thigh/waist/slung over their back relatively unobtrusively.
This arrangement overall makes it a very rapid to operate system, pulling a magazine from your gear, grabbing the one currently in the gun in the same grip, dropping the magazine and ‘hot swapping’ them by pivoting your hands to present the fresh mag, inserting it, and re-indexing your spent magazine in your gear as you push up on the bolt release with your strong hand trigger finger, giving a minimum down time or otherwise allowing for speed. Magazine pouches can be a bit of a pain at times; I use the same TMC FMA Skorpion pistol fast mags which carry the vast majority of my pistol and SMG magazines out here, but there are more specialised options available, especially if you require fully enclosed or more stable pouches for field use rather than running them on a plate carrier as a primary weapon in CQB environments with less prone or crawling related magazine retention loss issues.
The top full length rail allows for an array of sighting solutions; personally a simple T1 clone on a built in riser has resided on mine all the years I’ve had it and proved perfectly effective for my use case, but it’s a very popular platform
in Taiwan. At one point EIGHT of us turned up to one game at Action Bunker with them, probably half the players in one round! I’ve seen people running them with longer barrels hidden inside suppressors and using long telescopic sights, or dot and magnifier combinations alike. The flip up iron sights have pistol-style dot arrangements when folded down for convenient arms-length use in a pinch like a pistol, but when time permits deployment of the stock (using the top rear right nub on the back plate beneath the butterfly charging handles) you can fold up the BUIS which follow a more AR pattern windage adjustable rear peep sight and front blade which is elevation adjustable for zeroing between themselves.
The threaded barrel replacement for the original muzzle device allows you to fit a suppressor or tracer unit for increased funtimes in CQB or night games, or to allow the aforementioned secretion of an extended inner barrel… although doing so can raise the muzzle energy to the - 150-170m/s region on 0.2g BBs, so do be aware of that! Doing so turns it into somewhat of a sniper SMG in most of my experiences of going up against such setups, making it a very wieldy but effective setup, and especially ideal for smaller framed or female players; I see a lot of them including that of my competitive shooter and skirmish friend out here Mia , although she has the full scale VFC variant.
The telescopic stock extends the overall length from 370mm out to 570mm in short order, giving a very comfortable firing grip and shouldering that the grippy buttplate makes easy, comfortable and consistent for repeat indexing. This system is prone to wear however, and mine tends to collapse under loading. You may need to file the locking cutouts somewhat to address wear to their surfaces which tend to lead to such buckling.
The rear of the receivers are also known for cracking due to the sheer bolt velocity and
“THE KWA MP7 IN GENERAL HAS BEEN AN AWESOME PLATFORM IN MY EXPERIENCE; OF COURSE IT IS AT AROUND 80% OF TRUE SCALE BEING BASED UPON THE DIMENSIONS OF THE EARLIER ORIGINAL (RUSHED) MARUI AEP SYSTEM WHICH WAS APPARENTLY SCALED INCORRECTLY FROM A PHOTOGRAPH WHERE IT WAS BEING HELD BY AN ATYPICALLY LARGE DEMONSTRATION GUY”
LAMBDA DEFENSE GHM-9 GBB GEN II
Price: iro UK£180.00
Age: One Year
Weight: 1550g
Length: 365mm
Magazine Capacity: 48 BBs (MP9 Compatible)
Cold Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Hot Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibilty: Dedicated Extended Version is best
Magazine Capacity: 20 BBs (40 BB extended mags are available)
Cold Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Hot Chrono: 1.04 Joule/335fps
Taclite Compatibility: Dedicated
Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.wgcshop.com are still showing a few in stock!
TOKYO MARUI MP7A1 GBB
Price: iro UK£295.00
Age: Four Years
Weight: 2200g
Length: 381mm/586mm
Magazine Capacity: 40BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Hot Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail
Suppressor Compatibilty: Dedicated
Available From: www.alphadeltaairsoft.com
ferocity… this system can slowly erode your hearing with it going off right next to your ear a lot of the time and barking loudly about it; your teammates and opponents can usually work out where you are based upon it! That same ferocity also tends to lead to the front end fasteners of the bolt breaking or eroding the front end of the bolt carrier side walls and breaking through it as the gas nozzle extends forward as the BCG retreats under gas pressure on firing, then suddenly slams into its retainer block bolted into the side walls up front; I’ve chewed through two standard bolt carriers in heavy use of it as a result, and the cracked rear receiver is a running repair on mine that continues to fracture more with each use! Similarly the main piston retainer bolt in the rear of the BCG tends to strip and eventually get eaten up by the mechanism causing a very hard stoppage mid game in my experience.
Field stripping is very easy, popping the two push pins in the rear of the receiver, and pulling back plate, butterfly charging handles and bolt and carrier all out as one unit as such, however any issues with the HOP unit require detail stripping out the front end of the whole system - I’ve taken the fire control chassis out of mine once and had to use tape to carefully retain all the springs, I would avoid field stripping that mess unless you absolutely had to… Mine has seen a good few years hard use earlier in my time here, but more recently I’ve barely touched it or loaned it out to my female teammates as a more convenient and wieldy platform to allow them to try gas guns and their management and manual of arms, without lugging a comparatively big AR or heavy MP5 system around - the magazines tend to leak from the bases as they have the same annoying cross pin retention design rather than a vertical bolt that allows for continuous or adjustable pressure to be applied to their seals, so when I do want to field it I typically have to reseal all the magazines as they sit around disused
for too long most of the time.
All quibbles aside, nonetheless, the KWA MP7 has brought me endless fun and eliminations over its use, and consternation to my foes, I might suggest trying the full scale VFC version as a preference, although I haven’t had a chance to get hands on with that as yet.
Dan: I am still rocking one of the Arcturus PP19-01 variants as one of my ‘daily drivers’; specifically the PE Vityaz Z-TAC SP1 model which I reviewed back in the November 2023 issue. This has remained an exceptionally reliable AEG and I have yet to experience any failures or hiccups throughout its use. I rarely tend to leave a stock gun “alone”, but this has been the exception to that rule.
The only major changes I have made was to drop in a Warhead 30K Black brushless motor and a Gen. 3 TruHop bucking (with a slightly thicker nub so I can lift the diet of .32g’s it consumes).
The Warhead motor paired with the stock 13:1 ratio gears, makes this a snappy beast, and with the upgraded bucking, it has no problems competing for range with the best of them. I have also slightly modified the delayer chip and tappet fin on account of the higher ROF produced, but everything else inside the gearbox remains entirely stock still.
While the Z-TAC edition tends to invite dropping all manner of accessories on the platform, as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to appreciate lighter weight guns. So I’ve eventually stripped some things off in the interests of slimming the whole ensemble down. First of these was the Delta-Tek linear style compensator, which while very cool in the aesthetics department, stacked 12oz off the front end. I still keep this in reserve as a host for a tracer unit, but for the general daytime use I just run the stock muzzle brake and keep things short. I still run a Surefire Scout on a modified Arisaka M-LOK mount, which I opted to do to eliminate one additional mount / adapter between the
“I AM STILL ROCKING ONE OF THE ARCTURUS PP-19-01 VARIANTS AS ONE OF MY ‘DAILY DRIVERS’; SPECIFICALLY THE PE VITYAZ Z-TAC SP1 MODEL WHICH I REVIEWED BACK IN THE NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE. THIS HAS REMAINED AN EXCEPTIONALLY RELIABLE AEG AND I HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE ANY FAILURES OR HICCUPS”
ASG SCORPION EVO A1 AEG
Price: iro UK330.00
Age: Seven Years
Weight: 2300g
Length: 425mm/625mm
Magazine Capacity: 75BBs (Hicaps available)
Cold Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340fps
Hot Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail
Suppressor Compatibilty: Dedicated
Supplied By: www.actionsportgames.com
MODIFY PP2K GBB
Price: iro UK£300.00
Age: Three Years
Weight: 1350g
Length: 360mm/580mm
Magazine Capacity: 22 BBs (56 BB extended mags are available)
Taclite Compatibility: None (Aftermarket rails are now available)
Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm CCW
Available From: www.fire-support.co.uk
Zenitco Basis system and the Surefire’s picatinny attachment method. But this has proven to be very handy for those buildings on the local field that get rather dark inside. Aside from that, I have also modded a stubby style Tango Down M-LOK foregrip to the rail. Again, in the interests of omitting extra weight and mounts.
Aside from that, I eventually purchased the original style smooth motor grip which feels more comfortable to my hands than the more squared off RK-3 grip that originally came with the gun. And as cool as the PT-1 stock is, at some point I always end up stripping these off and rocking the bog simple triangle on my foldy AK’s. This also shaves a lot of weight off the gun too. So with these changes, the Arcturus is now my lightest AEG. My old PT-1 eventually found its way over to the UK by way of a mutual friend
Ben: Well, I’ve covered both TM MP7 and G&G SMC9 a few times so I’ll give my slice on the LCT ZK PDW PP19 EBB! First thing I have to say is how deceptively heavy this little beast is when you pick it up for the first time, and you’ll be shocked at just how heavy such a little SMG/PDW can be. Just the weight alone is convincing enough to feel like the real thing.
This PDW is the Russian version of an MP5 with the modern tactical-looking collapsible three stage stock and the banana style stick mags; it comes with the double-stacked quick-reload style of 50 BBs a mag, so be sure to buy yourself more mags if you plan on getting this CQB Russian terrier!
The EBB is really rather satisfying and gives a clear distinctive sound of the bolt slamming back and forth and being such a weighty piece it has a decent recoil feel for that add sweetness; as is common with EBB guns it has the potential to either strip the piston of its teeth or the EBB eventually fails. I’ve not heard of one failing thus far but have heard of them stripping the teeth, so upgrades are most likely needed. Out the box
“WELL, I’VE COVERED BOTH TM MP7
you can expect a range of 53 to 55 meters which is decent for a CQB SMG and it shoots straight and true; on a 0.25g BB I was getting 279fps as average single shot and 284fps full auto with 11/12 RPS, which doesn’t sound a lot but with the EBB working and the recoil kicking you really don’t care lol!
It actually gives a more authentic AK firing feel which is really what most of us look for and enjoy more, so from Russia with love the LCT ZK PDW PP19 is actually quite a pleasant experience and I would definitely recommend this if what you’re looking for is a modern tactical Russian CQB gun but make sure you get that Adidas three-stripe jacket to suit,...dasvidaniya comrade!
Stewbacca: Sticking with OPFOR shooters the Modify PP2K is arguably one of the most oddball guns I’ve ever acquired, the ‘MP7 we have at дом (home)’, the Russian equivalent in terms of a machine pistol style SMG with the magazine fitting inside the vertical pistol grip, which also has an almost P90-esque extended trigger guard that melds into the integrated front vertical grip all of which comprises the polymer lower receiver that the action snaps down into. It’s also arguably one of the most wieldy and highest capacity systems in the profile, boasting a 56 BB narrow stick magazine akin to the .380 sticks of the M11A1, and similarly troublesome to store effectively!
Again I made use of the same solution of vertically and horizontally stacked PSI Gear ‘skewer’ pistol mag pouches with the upper one’s bottom panel to allow for double length pouches to be formed from the two stacked one above the other.
I eventually acquired a total of four such magazines giving me a fairly prodigious ammunition count rivalling my AR setups with full combat loads in a *far* more compact package overall, and surprisingly still giving great HOP performance and range that rivals such a
AND G&G SMC9
A FEW TIMES
SO
I’LL
GIVE MY SLICE ON THE LCT ZK PDW PP19 EBB! FIRST THING I HAVE TO SAY IS HOW DECEPTIVELY HEAVY THIS LITTLE BEAST IS WHEN YOU PICK IT UP FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND YOU’LL BE SHOCKED AT JUST HOW HEAVY SUCH A LITTLE SMG/PDW CAN BE”
VORSK VMP-1 GBB
Model: Vorsk VMP-1 GBB
Price: iro UK£200.00
Age: Two Years
Weight: 1829g
Length: 557/690mm
Magazine Capacity: 48 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.06 Joule/339fps
Hot Chrono: 1.08 Joule/342fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail
Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm CCW
Available From: www.vorskairsoft.com
G&G MXC 9 AEG
Price: iro UK£350.00
Age: Four Years
Weight: 2190g
Length: 420/665mm
Magazine Capacity: 130 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Hot Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.guay2.com
ARCTURUS PP20 PE AEG (LIMITED EDITION)
Price: iro UK£600.00
Age: One Year
Weight: 2950g
Length: 660mm
Magazine Capacity: 95 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340fps
Hot Chrono: 1.09 Joule/343fps
Taclite Compatibility: Lower Rail Only
Suppressor Compatibilty: Dedicated (comes with the AEG)
Available From: www.taiwangun.com
EVOLUTION REAPER XS EMR AEG
Price: iro UK£250.00
Age: New Weight: 2200g
Length: 490-580mm
Magazine Capacity: 110 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.88 Joule/309fps
Hot Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.evolutioninternational.it
ASG MP9 GBB
Price: iro UK£200.00
Age: Five Years
Weight: 1750g
Length: 305-527mm
Magazine Capacity: 48 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340fps
Hot Chrono: 1.08 Joule/342fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail (RHS, High)
Suppressor Compatibilty: Dedicated
Available From: Sadly, these will now be second-hand only…
platform, which makes it ideal for smaller framed players or the lady shooters who have joined us at times. The latter variants did have internal geometric changes which cause the whole BB stack to sit higher due to more space between the side walls, so be sure to load the correct amount rather than try to fill the space all the way to the bottom as with the original profile magazines, otherwise the BBs will tend to stack side by side or nearly so, causing binding and feed issues.
Aside from that the only issue I’ve had is more recently the feeding of the BBs from the magazine seems to be interrupted for some reason I haven’t managed to diagnose as yet; it will cycle and dry fire but fails to properly feed the BBs from the magazine into the chamber now, basically making the PP2K a wall hanger until I finally get around to sorting it… in retrospect I should have taken it with us to Modify when we visited and seen if they can service it… perhaps at MOA or before! Hopefully I can get it resolved, as the overall performance and user experience of the PP2K by everyone who’s handled it has been resoundingly good. It has such an excellent trigger break and reset coupled with a snappy internal bolt system and great easily accessed HOP unit which makes it surprisingly effective even with its shorter standard barrel (there are also the OTS carbine kits that add a lot more barrel length, but they’re not my cup of tea as such) the PP2K offers an ideal platform for one handed use, and although the controls aren’t ambidextrous, it fits and shoots equally well in either hand, and given the class beating capacity that gives you almost two assault rifle mags worth, or 1.5 MP7 magazines, reloading is less frequent at least and usually more administrative between cover and movements.
The charging handle is like a G36 series, swinging to the left for loading and then springing back to centre again upon release and reciprocating with the bolt during firing. The top
of the receiver has a twelve slot long Picatinny rail for adding an optical sight to; again I had a T1 clone on an integral riser as per my MP7 which offered great performance for close to mid-range engagements in CQB and jungle settings alike.
If you can get past the quirky aesthetics and find appropriate magazine carrying equipment then the power to weight ratio of the PP2K given its extremely lightweight pistol-like construction and the slim long magazines which can be stacked in much smaller spaces than many others, then it’s well worth a look at, especially if you want or need to carry a shield or other props in game, it essentially functions as a very high performance stocked pistol setup like many of the more modern conversion kits seek to.
The KSC Vz61 Skorpion is another of those oddball guns that just steals the show when it’s on screen, whether it be the twin silenced ones Neo wields in the legendary Matrix Lobby scene, or there’s of course the over the shoulder mounting of it on the Winter Soldier’s back in the Marvel films from whence it is drawn and mag dumped as a weapon of last resort usually.
The Vzor (Model) 61 Skorpion was produced in the Czech Republic (Or rather Czechoslovakia, back then) originally intended as a light and unobtrusive but more capable PDW for armoured vehicle crews - little larger than a pistol, but sporting a 10 round stubby magazine for carry use in a dedicated holster that kept it well out of the way in the event of having to escape a vehicle hatch in a hurry, or otherwise allowing the wearer to draw it easily and mag dump it into said hatch space if enemy units had engulfed the tank and were forcing an entry, but then the longer banana mags carried the typical full twenty capacity of rounds for more sustained use after exiting the vehicle.
The KSC Vz61 GBB PDW replica was actually left with me by our old teammate Handsome Kev, along with a raft of other oddball offerings
“STICKING WITH OPFOR SHOOTERS THE MODIFY PP2K IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST ODDBALL GUNS I’VE EVER ACQUIRED, THE ‘MP7 WE HAVE AT HOME’, THE RUSSIAN EQUIVALENT IN TERMS OF A MACHINE PISTOL STYLE SMG WITH THE MAGAZINE FITTING INSIDE THE VERTICAL PISTOL GRIP”
setup, much the way it was originally intended to. I tweaked the fabric holster a little to allow it to be holstered with the magazine installed as apparently the model of holster I got with it from Kev didn’t allow this originally; I have also been tempted by a custom Kydex OWB setup from Beans Workshop, however on recent outings it hasn’t been functioning entirely reliably so I’m less inclined to invest in it until that is resolved (if at all possible); with it being quite an old and niche platform I wonder if I can source spares for it now? I imagine the mainspring has worn somewhat over all the years of use in Kev’s and my own care as I’ve run it not so often, but fairly heavily when I do, sporting four full length magazines that hold 40 BBs each in airsoft terms, as well as the 10 round (20 BB) shorty mag fitted for starters.
For the most part it has been a very fun and punchy little system, given the very light trigger of around 350g pull weight with a short throw, and it weighs overall only 1.5 kilos with the short mag fitted and a lot of the overall weight is reciprocating internal bolt, and of course pushing the selector lever forwards to the ‘20’ marking for full auto fire really makes it sing, assuming the gameplay rules allow for such things - the overfolding wire stock is of course somewhat short and not the most stable or comfortable, and in all
reciprocating on both sides of the very slim receiver you kind of have to grab the magazine and low profile mag well with your support hand and index your thumb on the indentations on its side walls to ensure your thumb doesn’t get in the way of the cocking handles as they cycle.
Besides that idiosyncrasy it’s an absolute hoot to shoot, has a loud crisp bark similar to an MP7 and likewise turns heads for being a little more unique and wieldy. The magazine design, like that of the M9 and CZ75 series pistols, involves lateral drift pins to retain the magazine base plugs which make it somewhat prone to leaks without regular maintenance… and leaving the mags for prolonged periods unused typically leads to them slowly venting all the gas left in them and requiring some attention prior to use again.
The bolt locks back on an empty mag and reloads are fairly intuitive with a small button at on the left rear of the mag well ideally placed for the support hand thumb as you grab the magazine to remove it, then the slender curved magazines seeming to intuitively meet their mark or guide themselves in to the mag well on reloading despite its limited depth and lack of flaring as such, and then the cocking handles can be retraced slightly, with the same support thumb just reaching up while holding the magazine well ready to fire, to knock the handle back and
“THE KSC VZ61 SKORPION IS ANOTHER OF THOSE ODDBALL GUNS THAT JUST STEALS THE SHOW WHEN IT’S ON SCREEN, WHETHER IT BE THE TWIN SILENCED ONES NEO WIELDS IN THE LEGENDARY MATRIX LOBBY SCENE, OR THERE’S OF COURSE THE OVER THE SHOULDER MOUNTING OF IT ON THE WINTER SOLDIER’S BACK IN THE MARVEL FILMS”
release the bolt forward ready for firing again.
So, if you’re looking for an unusual but very effective backup GBB in a compact package, or are particularly interested in an eastern bloc, radical group or techno dystopian future kind of loadout, perhaps the KSC Vz61 Skorpion is worth a look for you too.
The KSC M11A1 is another handme-down oddball SMG left with me thanks to Handsome pilot Kev a few years before he left Taiwan. The KSC M11A1 is another iconic yet niche platform that you probably don’t see as often on the airsoft field, a pint-sized powerhouse of open bolt firing machine pistol in the truest sense, around the same size as a Glock 17 but with an elongated very-small cross section 47 BB stick magazine which like the Vz61 features a lock down follower for easier loading which can then be released by pressing in the central button section of the follower to put spring pressure on the BB stack.
pass through for the line of fire. It does give you something to grip in the airsoft realm I suppose, but makes the whole thing somewhat unwieldy given how huge the suppressor is compared to the gun itself… bonus cool points I suppose.
The .380 round double stack sized magazines are noticeably thinner than the likes of a Glock magazine, but not too different from the Shadow mags; this can therefore cause some issues finding pouches to suit.
Being an open bolt system does tend to make it inherently less consistent or accurate due to the ‘lock time’ and moving mass, coupled with the somewhat short 120mm inner barrel; truth be told I’ve never really bothered putting it on paper, using it as a slightly more potent sidearm, typically for CQB games where the limited range is less of a concern, especially given its overall compact footprint and near 50 BB capacity, along with a somewhat short telescopic strut stock
The fire selector is an AR style flip lever on the front left of the receiver which rotates freely and latches in the lever rearward ‘S’ for semi auto or lever forward ‘F’ for full auto, the latter of which has a prodigious cyclic rate given the short 35mm overall bolt travel. The safety is a sliding nub to the right underside of the receiver besides the trigger guard, marked on the right side with forward for fire and rearward for safe, with it locking the trigger in safe mode.
The magazine release is an old school heel release lever at the rear bottom of the pistol grip and is usually accessible even with a large hand wrapped around the pistol grip, enabling you to ‘beer can’ grip the magazine with your support hand and release it with your thumb on the lever. The charging handle is on the top of the receiver
“THE KSC M11A1 IS ANOTHER ICONIC YET NICHE PLATFORM THAT YOU PROBABLY DON’T SEE AS OFTEN ON THE AIRSOFT FIELD, A PINT
SIZED POWERHOUSE OF OPEN BOLT FIRING MACHINE PISTOL IN THE TRUEST SENSE, AROUND THE SAME SIZE AS A GLOCK 17 BUT WITH AN ELONGATED VERY-SMALL CROSS SECTION 47 BB STICK MAGAZINE”
and fixed to the telescopic bolt, with a cutout through the middle to allow you an uninterrupted view of the industrially simple iron sights. I painted mine yellow to make it easier to pick out in darkened settings such as my Wednesday night games at Linkou CQB where it’s a very well suited system to field, although I only have two magazines for it given its niche use.
The trigger pull is very short and crisp at 5mm of travel and 1.25kg (just under 3lbs) making it a very snappy setup for use in a pistol format with the stock collapsed at arms-length, or even stock extended and dropping double taps through killing house windows or around corners with a minimal exposure of your own silhouette - it’s certainly effective within 20m or so, but beyond that I haven’t bothered putting it on paper or using it on anything other than meat targets at close ranges.
One thing to look out for is the main piston seal drying out under sustained fire throughout a day - particularly in hotter or humid environments, I found mine choking a bit and hanging up mid travel after a day of running it quite a lot, so ensure you keep it lubricated well to maintain the best function and user experience. Other than that I haven’t really found any issues with mine thus far, it lacks a slinging option beyond just Karabiner clipping or wrapping around the wire butt pad or its axle, and the stop on empty is a simple ‘nozzle loading fin slams into back of magazine follower’ to hang up mid cycle - so as with the VFC MP5s it’s probably worth recocking it before removing the magazine to minimise scraping or wearing of the follower on the nozzle fin to minimise the chance of damage and related feeding problems.
Other than that, if you’re looking for a movie classic or want to turn it into the Blade sidearm (there is a kit for just such a purpose) or otherwise want something that weighs less than 1.5 kilos loaded and has a small and handy profile overall
and a high magazine capacity as well as lending itself perfectly to dual wielding funtimes, perhaps the M11A1 is an underrated option you could find for yourself.
Bill: To close out this time I have to mention my time so far with the LAMBDA DEFENSE GHM-9 GBB GEN II which is an absolute cracker of a machine pistol peach as far as I can see; AIRSOFT WORLD kindly sent me down the GBB initially with a big old box of parts, and again I have to say that Lambda Defence have made everything up to the standard that B&T as the licencee would expect of a replica with their name on it.
Everything is made out of premium-grade aluminium, steel and nylon to make it absolutely bomber-tough, and the woes that we first experienced with the “grey import” GEN Is are nowhere in evidence as all the accessory parts fit together brilliantly, and if anything add further strength and rigidity to an already stable little platform.
And I love the fact that is truly is a “mix and match as YOU like” setup; when the GHM-9 arrived it was absolutely just a bare-bones solid, base platform on which to build. For our test model I installed a new metal outer barrel which is swiftly and simply installed by just removing the rail system to access two further hex screws deeper in the body; it’s then a simple matter of unscrew, release the original polymer outer barrel, replace with the new metal one that carries threading for the suppressor. I’ve replaced the original short rail with a much longer one, and then attached the suppressor “barrel”. Same deal with the excellent sliding stock; simply remove the back of the receiver which incorporates the form-the-box picatinny rail by punching through two push-pins (G3/MP5 style), replace with the part for the stock, and slide that on… done… and once together it all feels solid as a rock and looks superb!
If you’re looking for a cracking, compact CQB
“IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A CRACKING, COMPACT CQB TOOL, OR AN ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT BACK-UP FOR A SNIPER RIFLE THEN I HAVE TO RECOMMEND THE GHM-9 TO YOU NOW, ESPECIALLY AS I’VE GIVEN IT A PROPERLY GOOD HAMMERING TO CATCH UP THE BB COUNT CLOSE TO SOME OF OUR OLDER MODELS AND IT’S PROVED IT CAN HANDLE THE PRESSURE!”
tool, or an absolutely excellent back-up for a sniper rifle then I have to recommend the GHM-9 to you now, especially as I’ve given it a properly good hammering to catch up the BB count close to some of our older models and it’s proved it can handle the pressure! With both variants currently under UK£200 it’s a solid price for a gas machine-pistol, although as with all GBBs buying extra magazines will send this price up…. unless you already own MP9-compatible mags (for the GEN II) then you’re quids in! It’s a really solid performer and it appears that Lambda Defence have now made the absolute most of their licence, and apparently with them set in for the long game it seems that good things really do come to those that wait!
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Photo courtesy krios photography
SO HOT RIGHT NOW!
AS WE DRAW EVER CLOSER TO THE END OF WHAT HAS BEEN A TRULY LONG AND HOT SUMMER OF AIRSOFT AND OUR THOUGHTS START TO TURN TO THE DARKER MONTHS AHEAD, IT’S TIME TO REFLECT ON WHAT WE’VE BEEN USING BOTH ON THE RANGE AND “OFF DUTY”, AND NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PICK UP SOME BARGAINS TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR NEXT YEAR! MIGUEL GETS STRAIGHT TO THE LONG AND “SHORT” OF IT…
Summer for many in the Western hemisphere is already a fading memory and games here in Portugal have been few and far between during our mid-summer recess, especially as with thermometers hitting 40ºC and due to the wildfire warnings, in many locations it has been even forbidden to be out in woodland areas.
I know this review will reach you all later in the year, and by this time things will be better (I hope) and we will all be back in the field. But, during the summer months it has been the best time to test certain items, and we can all start to plan for next year!
Are you that type of player that likes to keep it a bit tactical outside the field? But without exaggeration, of course! I’m not talking about walking around in full camouflage pants and tactical boots, or full softshell jacked filled with patches, I’m talking about something a bit lighter and better to use during the heat. And it’s thanks to our friends at Military1st that sent us these “tacticool” pieces.
BOTTOMING OUT
Let’s start from the bottom and check out the tactical shorts that I’ve been using in the past months; both are from the well-known brand Helikon Tex, who have a huge selection of tactical shorts, with plenty of different models, colours and patterns.
This pair of shorts are my favorites, hands down…. And just maybe because I just love M81 woodland! So I’m kinda biased... I’m sorry!
These are the Helikon BDU Shorts US Woodland, which are basically a short version of the normal, older BDU pants. They’re built with cotton and polyester and come with our wellknown and tried and tested rip-stop. And I must say, the construction is solid and really well done! So, what other features can we find? Pockets and Buttons! Lots of buttons, like in any good BDU
“I
pant, and we have a full button fly, two buttons for each side pocket and two more for each back pocket, for a total of twelve buttons! So, you will get plenty of practice using them!
When it comes to pockets, like expected these shorts won’t let you down. You have your normal hand pockets at the waist, and they are big enough to carry any day to day item (phone, wallet, keys, etc.). The two side cargo pockets can even carry more if you need, and with the ability to close them, you can keep what you need safe, for example, it’s where I carry my wallet. And then there’s the normal two back pockets, which I don’t find that useful, mostly because they also have buttons to close, and it’s a bit too much work to close them without being able to see.
One thing that I really enjoy with these (and the next item) is to bring them to the field and change into them after a game or range session. Overall, a great addition for anyone that likes to have some airsoft spirit off the field!
KNOW THIS REVIEW WILL REACH YOU ALL LATER IN THE YEAR, AND BY THIS TIME THINGS WILL BE BETTER (I HOPE) AND WE WILL ALL BE BACK IN THE FIELD. BUT, DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS IT HAS BEEN THE BEST TIME TO TEST CERTAIN ITEMS, AND WE CAN ALL START TO PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR!”
KIT & GEAR
Next up, we have a more modern take on tactical shorts, and also from Helikon Tex.
These are the Urban Tactical Shorts 11’ in Grey Wolf, which I choose a bit to contrast with the previous shorts. Here you won’t find any buttons, but a mix of hook and looks and zippers used in a total of ten pockets. Yup... TEN pockets!
We have the normal two side waist pockets with a strengthened edge for gear clips (like knife clips), and loops for dummy cords, d-rings or carabiner just a bit above them. At the back we have two wide pockets, which can be even used as “dump pockets” for mags, that is, if you are brave enough to bring shorts to a game…. just don’t keep your wallet there, the pockets are just too big! Inside these you will find two smaller ones that will fit a pistol magazine or a flashlight. But, if you want to keep some items
“LET’S
100% safe, you can use the two big side pockets that come with a YKK reverse zippers, which are really easy to use and are quite handy. And to finish our pocket list (finally) we have two small thigh cargo pockets with look and loop, that can fit a smartphone or a STANAG magazine. Now that we are done with pockets, let’s look at other features of the Urban Tactical shorts. First we can look at the waist, which is extrawide and elasticated for comfort, with a hook and loop fastener adjustment. In my opinion, it should have the hook and loop parts switched, because if you don’t fasten the shorts completely, some of the hook will be exposed and any clothing
START FROM THE BOTTOM AND CHECK OUT THE TACTICAL SHORTS THAT I’VE BEEN USING IN THE PAST MONTHS; BOTH ARE FROM THE KNOWN BRAND HELIKON TEX, WHO HAVE A HUGE SELECTION OF TACTICAL SHORTS, WITH PLENTY OF DIFFERENT MODELS, COLOURS AND PATTERNS”
that you are wearing can get caught in it, and it will leave small marks. The construction is quite well done, with what Helikon calls “twoway elastic ripstop”, and the extra leg length is great for a bit of extra protection and more carry capacity.
So, to wrap it up, if you are looking for a modern looking pair of shorts, filled with pockets and available in a ton of different patterns, the Urban Tactical are a great choice!
TOPPING UP
Now that we are done with a great pair of shorts, let’s go up and look at the two polos and the shirt also sent by Military1st.
The first is the Propper Men’s Uniform LAPD short sleeve polo in navy blue, a light piece of clothing with a classic design made with 100% polyester, reinforced collar and cuffs, double pen pocket sleeve and loop for sunglasses (which I use a lot!). It easily became one of my favourite pieces of clothing to use in my day to day, and if you are looking for something to role-play as police or PMC, this polo has you covered!
Then we have the STOIRM Performance Tactical polo in TAN, and it’s quite similar to the Propper one, with the reinforced cuffs and collar (which is a bit smaller than the previous one), the pen pocket and sunglasses loop. But the material used is more elastic, and it will fit tighter to your body. Although it’s 100% polyester as well, it has a more artificial feeling to the touch, so heads up if you don’t like that. And just like the Propper polo, this one also has a spot in my day to day clothing.
And now to finish, check out the Helikon combo T-shirt! Designed in Poland but made here in Portugal, which was a pleasant surprise! It’s your classic cotton T-shirt, light and breathable, but the logo is what got my attention, a classic M16 with the M203 in a M81 woodland background… it’s something really eye-catching!
“NOW THAT WE ARE DONE WITH A GREAT PAIR OF SHORTS, LET’S GO UP AND LOOK AT THE TWO POLOS AND THE SHIRT ALSO SENT BY MILITARY1ST. THE FIRST IS THE PROPPER MEN’S UNIFORM LAPD SHORT SLEEVE POLO IN NAVY BLUE, A LIGHT PIECE OF CLOTHING WITH A CLASSIC DESIGN”
“I HAVE FOUND DURING MY TESTING THAT THEY WILL ALL STAND UP TO THE USE AND ABUSE WE GIVE THEM WHETHER ON THE RANGE, DOING WORK OUT ON YOUR FIELD, OR JUST FOR CASUAL WEARING. WITH THIS IN MIND I CAN 100% RECOMMEND THEM ALL TO YOU”
SPOOKILY EFFECTIVE CAMO!
REGULAR READERS AND FOLLOWERS OF AIRSOFT ACTION WILL KNOW THAT WE’RE ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR REALLY COOL CAMOUFLAGE SOLUTIONS FOR BOTH CLOTHING AND GEAR, AND WE’VE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO WORK WITH SOME OF THE VERY BEST IN THE “CAM AND CONCEALMENT” COMMUNITY OVER THE YEARS; THEREFORE WHEN WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT PHANTOMLEAF YOU’D BETTER BELIEVE THAT WE TOOK IT GLADLY
It’s a fact that there are so many camouflage patterns out there that it’s sometimes difficult to batter your way through all the technobabble to get the bottom of whether something is effective or not, and it which conditions it excels.
Quite often it’s the case that you base your own loadout on images that you’ve found of specific units that you want to emulate, you see something in a game or movie that looks cool, or see someone wearing a particular pattern in-game and think to yourself “Now THAT looks cool!”
But ultimately does a pattern WORK?
We’ve all seen players out in the woods in desert BDUs and think “What the hell?”, and conversely we’ve seen the ghillied-up walking bushes in an urban setting… but you know what? It really doesn’t matter what you’re wearing if you enjoy playing airsoft and are having fun!
There are those of us, though, and I count myself very firmly in this particular camp, that like a camo pattern because it DOES work in a specific environment, and I’m proud to be able to say that during my time with AIRSOFT ACTION I’ve introduced some pretty unique patterns, and indeed tried many of them for myself to prove their efficacy. And I keep searching, for I believe that their genuinely is a camouflage solution for each and every environment, and the more I can catalogue the more options I have to ensure that my own personal concealment choice is as effective as it possibly can be.
Is there one solution to every situation and environment? No, of course there isn’t, and socalled “universal patterns” are a jack-of-all-trades solution, but truly a master of none! So what do I look for?
Simply put, I look not just for one pattern, but a cohesive “family” of them, that through careful consideration has been developed to offer bespoke solutions for individual AOs… yes, it does take time to build up not just one set of
gear but a couple of them, but as I’ve illustrated before once you’ve done so, your investment will mean that you can have specific gear for specific settings, and with considered mixing and matching probably cover off a bunch of others too.
I’ve been speaking to the good folk at FLECKTARN UK (www.flecktarn.co.uk) for a good while now about PHANTOMLEAF, and down at The NAF I finally got my hands on some to check out.
Now, the guys at FLECKTARN UK know a bit about (a LOT actually!) about the efficacy of different camouflage patterns, and if you check out their website you’re going to find a cornucopia of camo! However, it was PHANTOMLEAF that as a relatively new arrival to their range that they wished to introduce me to, and I have to admit that I found it immediately alluring…
IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICE
PHANTOMLEAF is a patented camouflage made for professional users in Germany, and their website tells me that
“Right from the start of product development, we work together with practicioners and our industrial licensees and partners in a spirit of trust in order to implement systemic approaches that are exactly tailored to their needs. From official special units to industrial companies to end users, your protection is our top priority.”
I said earlier, PHANTOMLEAF is not just a single camo, but a family of them that’s tightly created on a cohesive model to give the widest, and most effective choice to the user. For those that haven’t come across the PHAMTOMLEAF family before it breaks down pretty simply and understandably:
WASP 1: The versatile pattern WASP I was developed exclusively for the PHANTOMLEAF® license partner MIL-TEC, and a separate collection (CIV-TEC) was launched by MIL-TEC for this purpose. The end-users specified for WASP 1 include outdoor enthusiasts in the areas
“IT’S A FACT THAT THERE ARE SO MANY CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS OUT THERE THAT IT’S SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO BATTER YOUR WAY THROUGH ALL THE TECHNOBABBLE TO GET THE BOTTOM OF WHETHER SOMETHING IS EFFECTIVE OR NOT, AND IT WHICH CONDITIONS IT EXCELS”
of bushcraft and sports shooting (including airsoft) and it’s further broken down into “zones” to include temperate (Z3a), arid (Z2), and transitional (Z1b) AOs.
WASP II: this is characterised by a more specialised colour palette, and professional users from the government and security sectors can rely 100% on the effectiveness of the six AO-specific zonal camouflage patterns. In combination with functional materials and userfriendly fit, effective overall systems in the form of camouflage clothing are produced specifically for users in collaboration with trusted partners. WASP II can be purchased by the metre direct from PHANTOMLEAF® TEXTILES (B2B), or from their partners TACTICALTRIM and TARNSTOFFE MARONN (B2C), whilst finished products are available from the likes of LEO KÖHLER, ZENTAURON and DEFTEX.
The team at FLECKTARN UK have been choosy themselves when it comes to the garments that they offer, with a mixture of both WASP 1 and WASP 2 on offer in both the Z3a temperate pattern, and the browner Z2 arid pattern, and the garments themselves range from simple BDU trousers and shirts right up to more specialist UBACS and even Operator Smocks and Cold Weather Jackets!
The Z3a pattern is an innovative adaptive camouflage pattern effective at a variety of ranges with its combination of macro and micro elements and extensive disruptive shading, and the WASP I Z3a is optimised for green and temperate environments, and uses both green and brown tones with dappling effects to confuse the body shape fully even at close range... so perfect for European woodland!
THE GEAR
I had one of the simple BDU shirts to pore over from MIL-TEC and I have to say not only does it look great, but it’s also very sturdily put together in the distinctive WASP Z3a green dominant pattern, featuring a disruptive pattern with both green and brown elements to provide an effective camouflage effect in forest areas.
areas of colour contrast, medium sized dappling
“I’M PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT DURING MY TIME WITH AIRSOFT ACTION I’VE INTRODUCED SOME PRETTY UNIQUE PATTERNS, AND INDEED TRIED MANY OF THEM FOR MYSELF TO PROVE THEIR EFFICACY… AND I KEEP SEARCHING”
effects, and micro flecks that help to widen the optimal range of use.
with concealed buttons.
The shirt marries up with the WASP 1 Z3a trousers (sold separately) for a complete solution, and sizes available are Medium, Large and XL.
One item that I saw and REALLY liked was the Operators Smock, which reminds me of the classic SAS Smock of old, but with a thoroughly modern twist. The Operator Combat Smock in green-dominant WASP II Z3a is a fully featured, operator-designed combat jacket. Made from top-grade material it’s low-noise ripstop, with reinforcements on elbows in 600D
The WASP 1 Z3a BDU shirt is made in a ripstop cotton-poly blend which is designed to create a low noise signature, and features a classic BDU four pocket design with a slight taper around the waist. The elbows have a second layer of material to help reinforce the area, and the cuff or tighter gathering. The front of the shirt is buttoned up
The Smock features two chest pockets, two zip-up dump pockets, four waist pockets, and one large seat pocket. The waist tightens with drawstring and the hem also has a drawcord for tightening around the seat to keep out draughts. The elbows are reinforced with cordura and can open to accept padding. The upper arms also have pockets; the left is a flat document or ID pocket and the right is a larger, suitable for field dressing.
The hood has a high collar to prevent draughts from entering from the neck area, and it’s wired around the top and can be retained with a velcro strip on the back of the head to prevent the front from dropping over the eyes when prone . A drawstring with plastic cord retainer on either end keeps the hood tight around the head.
The cuffs close with Velcro, and the upper arms have velcro for insignia or identification patches, along with Velcro name tape strips on the front of the jacket above the chest pockets.
Long double zippers are located in the armpit areas that allow the jacket to be unzipped from
“THE GUYS AT FLECKTARN UK KNOW A BIT ABOUT (A LOT ACTUALLY!) ABOUT THE EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS, AND IF YOU CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE YOU’RE GOING TO FIND A CORNUCOPIA OF CAMO!”
either arm or side of body for ventilation, and the front of the jacket has a button and velcro baffle to keep out draughts, as well as a double chunky zipper for opening the jacket. Underneath the baffle is a zip opening to allow easy access to shirt or fleece chest pockets. All buttons are 25mm diameter slotted buttons for
Made by a German contractor to the same specifications as KSK and German Special Forces smocks, sizes here are again M, L, and XL.
Of course, ther’s also an option for those that want to run with plate carriers, and the WASP I
Z3a green UBACS features a polycotton stretch torso, specific underarm panels with quick dry fabric and ventilation mesh, a quarter zip on the front, double arm pockets with zip closure and velcro facing, velcro cuffs, seamless construction and extra shoulder and upper arm loops for organisation of comms or other leads on the shirt.
The WASP I green Z3a shirt combines a low noise rip-stop sleeve and shoulder camouflage with a comfortable single-colour and well ventilated torso… sizes available at the time of writing are M and XXXL, but no doubt the other sizes will come back into stock
Overall I have to say that I’m very impressed by just how well the WASP I Z3a pattern works in the woods, especially at this time of year when the greens of summer are still prevalent! I appreciate that this level of kit is not exactly the cheapest available, but it’s all of the highest quality and specification and will give you a summer woodland/ “Green Team” loadout that will literally last for years to come.
More and more manufacturers are working with PHANTOMLEAF and making use of their excellent patterns which in turn could potentially make things more cost effective. If you don’t want to follow the “airsoft herd” then I’d most definitely check out PHAMTOMLEAF, and especially WASP I Z3a, and get yourself some of this awesome camouflage pattern sooner rather than later!
My thanks go to Jo and the team at www. flecktarn.co.uk for all their help in the preparation of this article. You can find out more about the PHANTOMLEAF family of patterns by visiting www.phantomleaf.com... prepare to be impressed if you do! AA
“ONE ITEM THAT I SAW AND REALLY LIKED WAS THE OPERATORS SMOCK, WHICH REMINDS ME OF THE CLASSIC SAS SMOCK OF OLD, BUT WITH A THOROUGHLY MODERN TWIST; THE OPERATOR COMBAT SMOCK IN GREEN-DOMINANT WASP II Z3A IS A FULLY FEATURED, OPERATOR-DESIGNED COMBAT JACKET”
“IF YOU DON’T WANT TO FOLLOW THE “AIRSOFT HERD” THEN I’D MOST DEFINITELY CHECK OUT PHAMTOMLEAF, AND ESPECIALLY WASP I Z3A, AND GET YOURSELF SOME OF THIS AWESOME CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN SOONER RATHER THAN LATER!”
A DRONE DAY OUT!
IF YOU TAKE ANY INTEREST AT ALL ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS THEN YOU CAN’T ESCAPE THE FACT THAT THE ONCE-HUMBLE DRONE HAS NOW BECOME A SERIOUS “FORCE MULTIPLIER”! EVERY SO OFTEN MEMBERS OF THE AA CREW AND OUR FRIENDS STILL GET INVITED TO CHECK OUT “THE REAL DEAL”, AND SO IT WAS THAT OUR OLD MATE RATTY AND AA LEGIONNAIRE RICH FOUND THEMSELVES AT AN “UNDISCLOSED LOCATION” TO CHECK OUT SOMETHING PRETTY COOL!
It’s not often these days that I get an invite to an event that’s a bit “Hush Hush”, but having seen what the day was about, I sent a quick message to Rich, as he’s the most techy person I know locally! Here we were, mid-morning on the hottest Friday since the previous week, making our way to a small, off the beaten track airfield in the Cotswolds.
Our route in, having gone past a static display SEPECAT Jaguar which gave a bit of a nod back to the airfield’s former life over eighty years ago, we followed the signs to where we were to be parked. Having debussed, sun beaming down on us, we eventually turned a corner where our eyes were immediately focused on the green Formula 1 car that was taking centre stage.
We were cordially greeted by members of staff from MGI Engineering, whose event it was, given our passes and it was straight into the “meet and greet” talk. It was very soon apparent that the F1 car was a hint at MGI’s background, but everything else on display was far removed from that scene.
A quick scan of the display area, we soon realised that this was about MGI’s cutting edge engineering for military purposes……. DRONES… and looking at various uniforms and listening to people’s accents, there were representatives from all branches, of not just the UK forces but from other allied nations.
It’s a widely accepted fact that technology advances so much quicker during wartime, mostly due to combat against what the other guys are doing, ultimately with the objective of winning the battles and being victorious in war. To that end, Britain has been either at the forefront or heavily involved in technological advances through necessity and many which have gone onto to be part of modern day to day life. Think of things like the Maxim and Vickers Machine Guns, the Tank, Radar, Jet Engines, Atomic Power, Rockets & Missiles… the list goes on.
Much rarer, though, is that something that is already an existing civilian item, usually from a hobby/leisure activity then gets adapted for military service. A big one would be the aeroplane, but even simpler things like skater helmets for head protection that have over the years have been morphed and militarised into FAST helmets and the like…. much more recently drones, which are now on the frontline, on
water, land, and in the air.
UAVs have been around for a good twentyplus years but it’s been the recent war in Ukraine which has seen the biggest development in relatively cheap drone capability for military use. Some for reconnaissance, some dropping small explosives/artillery rounds onto soft skinned and lightly armoured vehicles, which resemble drones your kid would play with, up to commercial drones being re-purposed to take on bigger targets. Drones have already changed the face of the modern battlefield and bring fear to those who will potentially be on the receiving end. As a former tank crewman it’s been a wake-up call for designers/engineers as to how to combat this new threat. Anyway I digress…
SCENE SETTING
So, who are MGI and how do they fit into all of this??
MGI Engineering, founded in 2003 by Mike Gascoyne, was initially called MGI Motorsport, established originally to leverage Mike’s extensive 25+ years of experience in F1 to provide a consultancy based high-performance engineering
“A QUICK SCAN OF THE DISPLAY AREA, WE SOON REALISED THAT THIS WAS ABOUT MGI’S CUTTING EDGE ENGINEERING FOR MILITARY PURPOSES……. DRONES… AND LOOKING AT VARIOUS UNIFORMS AND LISTENING TO PEOPLE’S ACCENTS, THERE WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL BRANCHES, OF NOT JUST THE UK FORCES”
solutions. However, over the years, the company expanded and looked beyond motorsport into other areas where the same high-end precision engineering was required. The company rebranded as MGI Engineering to reflect its much broader scope, which now includes the marine and aviation industries whilst still retaining a strong presence in the automotive world.
Mikes experience in F1engineering is second to none; in 1989 he joined Mclaren as head of aerodynamics, within a year he had moved to Tyrell. His talents were soon recognised and in 1991 he followed his good friend, designer Harvey Postelthwait, to Sauber, to help design their first F1 Car. 1998 saw him join Jordan Grand prix as Technical Director, then in 2001, he moved to Benetton, which became Renault F1, overseeing some significant improvements which saw them win the 2005 and 2006 Championships.
In 2009, as MGI, they founded Lotus Racing F1 Team and designed the 2010 challenge car. The team later rebranded as Caterham F1 and in 2013 they supported Caterham Groups first-ever entry in Le-Mans!
Branching out from F1, MGI Engineering became a fully independent engineering consultancy, applying its cutting-edge F1 technology and experienced staff to provide engineering services into mainstream applications; motorsports, automotive, marine, aerospace, defence sectors as well as renewable energy fields.
A DAY TO REMEMBER
This day, however, was all about their drones, both air and marine! Whilst they can be utilized for civilian/
commercial purposes, these were set up for the defence applications. There were examples on display for us to chat to the team about, but the highlight of the day was to see the first run of their new “SkyShark”… more on that shortly.
Defence increasingly requires scalable, low-unit-cost, autonomous platforms that can operate effectively in denied or highly contested electronic environments. With their F1 methodologies, MGI are delivering rapid design, prototyping and manufacturing of such systems to assist their clients meet their specific requirements. As operational circumstances can change rapidly, again they are able to respond to these within a matter of weeks, not months.
The first thing that caught our attention was from the marine side of life, called “SeaGlide”. This is an electric, long-range, high payload (from 100 – 250kg) autonomous delivery system with a design to revolutionise maritime logistics. Available in 4m, 5m or 6m options, it offers unparalleled efficiency and reliability transporting its substantial cargo over long distances, up to 200km, without any human intervention, using advanced navigation and safety features, even in
“DRONES HAVE ALREADY CHANGED THE FACE OF THE MODERN BATTLEFIELD AND BRING FEAR TO THOSE WHO WILL POTENTIALLY BE ON THE RECEIVING END. AS A FORMER TANK CREWMAN IT’S BEEN A WAKE-UP CALL FOR DESIGNERS/ENGINEERS AS TO HOW TO COMBAT THIS NEW THREAT”
challenging sea conditions. There is also a hybrid propulsion system which extends the range up to 500km!
Next we viewed their “R10”, which, for me, is what I called a “classic” drone. Mainly designed for use in urban environments, it has a 25km range and can carry a payload of 5 -20kg, which can be supplies or munitions. With its rapid launch eVTOL technology, and its four electric tilt rotors, it can travel at speeds of up to 50 knots, but hover even in exceptional winds allowing pinpoint delivery of its payload. It’s autonomous and has pre-programmed navigation. What I really liked is it designed to also work in conjunction with “SeaGlide” which can piggy-back it across a body of water within its range with the “R10” then being deployed to its final destination to deliver its payload.
From there, we moved onto the “Mosquito”… which you could say is the Thunderbird 2 of their range. This is a proper beast, bringing the advantages of eVTOL with the performance of winged flight, this can transition between the two modes so quickly in flight. With a really low acoustic signature, each rotor can be controlled
independently, whilst its autonomous flight system allows it to have pre-planned navigation in case of being in a GPS Blackout area.
With a payload of up to 100kg, this multirole airframe can be used for cargo resupply, reconnaissance, communications including being a mothership in contested airspace, as well having a very capable strike capability, whilst being to switch between these roles in a short space of time.
So, the piece de resistance, the “SkyShark”, which is what we had all come to see!
With a choice of electric or jet powerpacks, this thing is purposeful, with one role to carry out… strike at the enemy with either explosives or EW products!
As the name suggests, it looks proper mean and nasty! This is MGI’s answer to the growing requirement for a rapid autonomous strike solution. It features a rapid launch capability either by catapult or an exceedingly short take off, which was well demonstrated on the runway with both power plant variants!
Made of light composite materials, it’s this that adds to its agility. A range of 250km with a 20kg payload, this thing can fly at subsonic speeds of up to 450kmh at low altitudes. Once again, it can be preprogrammed for navigation and can use terrain mapping in GPS denied areas. It was the first time that they had tested the electric powerplant version so there were a few department heads holding their breath on its maiden run! No need to worry though, the “SkyShark” performed amazingly up and down the runway. The
“DEFENCE INCREASINGLY REQUIRES SCALABLE, LOW-UNIT-COST, AUTONOMOUS PLATFORMS THAT CAN OPERATE EFFECTIVELY IN DENIED OR HIGHLY CONTESTED ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENTS. WITH THEIR F1 METHODOLOGIES, MGI ARE DELIVERING RAPID DESIGN, PROTOTYPING AND MANUFACTURING OF SUCH SYSTEMS”
jet version is enough to strike fear into you as you can guess where it’s going to hit, but the electric version was so silent, you would not know that it’s even coming and, by the time you did, it’s already far too late!
NEXT GEN… ALREADY!
There is another model (which wasn’t there) which is the next level, called the “TigerShark”. If what we saw on the day was anything to go by and looking at the specs of it, it’s a mini cruise missile in terms of looks, performance and a massive payload but at a fraction of the price. MGI are creating their own market as, to my knowledge, there is nothing else like it!
Rich and I left at the end of a great and informative day, feeling we had seen the next evolution of not just drones used in warfare, but
in the face of warfare itself. It’s easy to see how all those years and expertise in F1 is transferrable into other high-end, high-tech precision sectors to create a range of mission specific and multirole products.
A massive thanks to Mike and all the crew at MGI Engineering, not just for inviting us visit but also spending their time conversing with us. Its very easy to see how passionate the guys and girls are about what they do, which ultimately means that their products will save lives for the guys on the ground no matter what theatre of operation they are working in.
Bill has assured me that in running this article outlining the real-world applications as a “scene setter” that he’s already pulling together further pieces on how drone technology can be used in an airsoft setting. So, as he always says, “watch this space”! AA
“SO, THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE, THE “SKYSHARK” WHICH IS WHAT WE HAD ALL COME TO SEE! WITH A CHOICE OF ELECTRIC OR JET POWERPACKS, THIS THING IS PURPOSEFUL, WITH ONE ROLE TO CARRY OUT… STRIKE AT THE ENEMY WITH EITHER EXPLOSIVES OR EW PRODUCTS”
STREET INVASION!
FOLLOWING LAST YEAR’S BADE STREET SURVIVAL FESTIVAL THAT ENCOMPASSED E-SPORTS, GENERAL ONLINE GAMING AND A TASTE OF AIRSOFT GUNS AND GEAR DELIVERED BY OUR OWN MILITARY ANNY AND STEWBACCA, THIS YEAR SAW THE RETURN OF THE EVENT WITH THE ADDITION OF LOCAL RETAILER AND DISTRIBUTOR YMS AIRSOFT PROVIDING A WIDER ARRAY OF AIRSOFT REPLICAS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO GET HANDS ON WITH! IT ALSO SAW RECENTLY-FORMED PRACTICAL SHOOTING GROUP 2011 CARPE DIEM CLUB HOSTING A GEL BLASTER FIRING RANGE AND GRENADE THROWING EXPERIENCE TO GET PEOPLE IMMERSED, AND WE’LL LET ANNY SET THE SCENE FOR YOU FIRST!
Since 2008, Taipei’s Bade Shopping District has held a two-day street closure every summer vacation, starting with Bade Road Section 1 (between Xinsheng South Road and Jinshan North Road) to host the Summer E-sports Festival.
Last year (2024), we were invited by the Taipei Bade Information Business District Development Association (supervised by the Taipei City Department of Commerce) to participate in the “Bade Street Closure Survival Challenge.” From August 24th to 25th, we held a booth on Bade Road Section 1 in Taipei, showcasing VFC toy guns and personal gear, including a photo opportunity featuring ME (please remember that Anny is pretty darn famous in Taiwan - Bill)! Similarly, in 2025 we were invited to participate in the theme “Bade Street Closure: The Strongest Showdown”. This year, the area under the charge of “General Wu Anny” was expanded as a whole, and the instructors of the “2011 Carpe Diem Club” (officially established last year) were invited to serve as instructors for this experience area. After several online meetings, considering that most of the visitors were families, the main promotion method was to allow non-survival game (airsoft) players to understand shooting sports more quickly through experience activities. After coordinating the content of the shooting activities, we discussed with the organiser whether the above activity content was feasible. The activity process and content were also
submitted to the guiding unit, the “Taipei City Commerce Department”, for approval.
On the first day (August 23rd), the 2011 Carpe Diem Club instructors arrived at the event site in a truck at 08:00 and placed all the large items at the event site. Before the event started at 14:00, they and the YMS Airsoft owner began to arrange the various items at 11:00.
The press conference for the event began at 15:30, and in preparation for it the 2011 Carpe Diem Club instructors, YMS Airsoft owner, Stu, and I, holding YMS supplied airsoft platforms slowly walked through the streets of Taipei City, waiting for the press conference to begin, and posed for photos and finally, on stage, a group photo.
The next day (August 24th), we gathered at 13:00 to begin cleaning up the venue; just before 14:00 Taiwan’s Formosa News arrived to cover the activities at the experience zone; the event attracted a large crowd, raising awareness of the importance of safety both in survival games (airsoft) and national defence.
Shooting Zone: designed with safety in mind, this zone featured gel blaster guns with no limit set on the number of balls used per shooter to drop all six steel targets, three large and three small, to receive a free coupon provided by the organisers.
Grenade Throwing area: participants could release stress from work or school by throwing grenades! Throwing grenades into the three holes
“WE WERE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THEME “BADE STREET CLOSURE: THE STRONGEST SHOWDOWN”. THIS YEAR, THE AREA UNDER THE CHARGE OF “GENERAL WU ANNY” WAS EXPANDED AS A WHOLE, AND THE INSTRUCTORS OF THE “2011 CARPE DIEM CLUB” WERE INVITED TO SERVE AS INSTRUCTORS FOR THIS EXPERIENCE AREA”
into the wooden panel in front and successfully knocking over the tank outlines within them would earn you a free voucher provided by the organisers. Many participants would shout out the names of those they dislike and throw the grenades vociferously!
The steel targets, fences, and oil drums used to build the shooting and grenade throwing areas were all made by instructors from the 2011 Carpe Diem Club; one of them, Liu Yaojun, previously ran a paintball range in Tamsui and is very experienced in making such hardware.
Photo Zone: Jordan Chen, owner of YMS Airsoft founded in February 2021 was on hand; the various replica platforms on display had all their documentation submitted to the organisers for review. Visitors were also welcome to take photos with the replicas and try handling them, attracting many members of the public young and old, guys and girls alike, to try handling different airsoft
platforms and better understand what suited them and their abilities or which style or aesthetic of replica might suit them best.
The 2011 Carpe Diem Club; a multi-faceted sports space, the club was born from the dreams of four individuals, Liu Yaojun, Clyde Kan, Vic Chuang, and Chris Chen. It is a relaxed and fun shooting range dedicated to promoting competitive shooting sports and promoting proper gun safety. They frequently hold free seminars to promote leading domestic brands and shooting competitions for all kinds of shooters to enjoy. They hope to make this a “second home” for shooters in the future. If you enjoy shooting, want to train, or are just bored and looking for someone to chat about tactics, or if you occasionally want to go hiking or run in the nearby riverside park for a workout, they welcome all those interested in shooting to join them!
“IN
PREPARATION FOR IT THE 2011 CARPE DIEM CLUB INSTRUCTORS, YMS AIRSOFT OWNER, STU, AND I, HOLDING YMS SUPPLIED AIRSOFT PLATFORMS SLOWLY WALKED THROUGH THE STREETS OF TAIPEI CITY, WAITING FOR THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BEGIN, AND POSED FOR PHOTOS AND FINALLY, ON STAGE, A GROUP PHOTO”
THE STEWBACCA TAKE!
First of all, of course, our thanks go to Anny for her continued hard work towards all of these events, visits, and coverage; she continues to bring a local eye as well as the native language perspective that helps round out my own coverage and make it easier to engage with people in a more open and accessible setting than just relying on my own skills and abilities out here.
This year the addition of the 2011 CDC instructors and YMS Airsoft not only increased the interest of the public but made for a great energy in general; a great group of shooters and industry people working together and surviving the sheer heat and energy requirements of the show as well as taking part in the on stage work in greater force helped better cement the impact of airsoft and its potential for safe and fun enjoyment in the public sphere. This is something I’m very much a
proponent of, given the sheer weight of negative media we all tend to suffer given the normally more contentious public perception of what we all love doing.
Giving people a better first interaction and personal experience of “toy guns” on their own terms and promoting a better mainstream media interaction can only help bring more people into the hobby and further educate and normalise it in the public sphere.
Once again we were joined by our friends from ‘Wood and Iron Workshop’ and their excellent food truck who were supplying us with more traditional Taiwanese snacks throughout; similarly our four legged friends made a return appearance with local dog Berney posing for photos with us again and being the cool and calm tactical doggles pupper that he is, and Bubu the cat jumped on Anny’s shoulder for a quick photo opportunity while we were lying in wait at the
“GIVING PEOPLE A BETTER FIRST INTERACTION AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF “TOY GUNS” ON THEIR OWN TERMS AND PROMOTING A BETTER MAINSTREAM MEDIA INTERACTION CAN ONLY HELP BRING MORE PEOPLE INTO THE HOBBY AND FURTHER EDUCATE AND NORMALISE IT IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE”
side of the stage for our big group photo among the organisers!
It’s always nice to engage with the public and give them a better first introduction and share experiences and again, we even saw some more foreigners in-country for various stretches of time take a potential interest in joining us on the skirmish field once they found out about us and our team.
Hopefully the Bade Street event will continue to be a regular and growing fixture within the local calendar as it’s always nice for us to give back in whatever way we can and grow the community and its positive impact in whatever ways we can, with each public relations effort. AA
“HOPEFULLY THE BADE STREET EVENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE A REGULAR AND GROWING FIXTURE WITHIN THE LOCAL CALENDAR AS IT’S ALWAYS NICE FOR US TO GIVE BACK IN WHATEVER WAY WE CAN AND GROW THE COMMUNITY AND ITS POSITIVE IMPACT IN WHATEVER WAYS WE CAN WITH EACH PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORT”
TAIWAN: BADE STREET
ISLAND HOPPING... POPPER DROPPING!
TO BE HONEST, STEWBACCA HAS BEEN EQUAL PARTS EXCITED AND DREADING HAVING TO WRITE THIS, GIVEN HIS PROPENSITY TO WAR AND PEACE HIS WAY THROUGH TEN TO TWELVE PAGES FOR A TYPICAL LEVEL 3 NATIONAL ACTION AIR EVENT OF TWELVE STAGES OVER A WEEKEND, AND HAS BEEN CONTEMPLATING JUST HOW TO CRAM ALL OF THE ADVENTURE OF A THIRTY STAGE COMP WITH THREE SOLID DAYS OF SHOOTING, AND TEN DAYS IN COUNTRY WITH ALL THE FANFARE AND INTRIGUE AS WELL AS THE HUMAN STORIES…
So, where to begin? I guess I waxed lyrical at length somewhat in the last issue with the administrative-related fun times of travel arrangements and carrying guns or anything that looks like them on aircraft from various parts of the world into a firearms permissive country with a general love of shooting and related sports.
As I mentioned in Part One, my teammate Ou and myself (and his wife Wei who was travelling with us for the experience of the Philippines, but not involved in the world shoot aspect, although she has joined the team and trained before) were the ‘white rabbits’ or ‘wild weasels’, the first to go and last to know as such, and test cases for all the misadventures that all of our Taiwan-based shooters would have to go through, or in many
“WE DEPARTED ON THE 25TH
OF
JULY AFTER
cases we made things easier for them by prebriefing the airline staff and authorities on the twenty odd other guys and girls who would be hot on our heels.
We departed on the 25th of July after an hour or so delay as our plane arrived on the pan about ten minutes before it was due to leave (yeah, that wasn’t happening!) as well as two typhoons circling Taiwan and the Philippines which lead to some flight cancellations within the latter; thankfully we managed to dodge the worst of it.
I’d basically finally taken a contract break from the day job having not had one since starting eight years back, so I took a wedge of unpaid leave and relieved myself of the first month or so of the reduced hours, increased class size and
AN HOUR OR SO DELAY AS OUR PLANE ARRIVED ON THE PAN ABOUT TEN MINUTES BEFORE IT WAS DUE TO LEAVE (YEAH, THAT WASN’T HAPPENING!) AS WELL AS TWO TYPHOONS CIRCLING TAIWAN AND THE PHILIPPINES WHICH LEAD TO SOME FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS WITHIN THE LATTER”
stress summer course, to just give myself time to do final preparations, a load of side project work for this publication and design related work… and just in general have the flexibility to react to issues and resolve them prior to departure! It was certainly a pleasant three weeks of only teaching my Saturday classes followed by two weeks of total absence for the actual travelling and competing portion.
Arriving finally in Iloilo mid-evening we all settled in and refreshed ourselves before heading across the road from the hotel to involve ourselves in the local culture and cuisine, a theme which persisted throughout the adventure! The hospitality and food in the Philippines are almost as unquestionable as their marksmanship, and I was glad I’d invested in the Double Alpha adjustable ratchet belt clasp a few months prior; the Lynx belts are excellent and fast becoming standard fare for competitive shooters from what I’ve seen, but a rigid number of one inch pieces doesn’t leave much room for… manoeuvre… when you like to eat more than you like to run!
We also walked our dinner off and wandered over to the local shopping centre to stock up
on snacks and supplies to sustain ourselves throughout our stay, with all of team SPPT residing in the HOP Inn Hotel on the south end of town near the bay, which meant a taxi ride to the convention centre each time we had to shoot or do related admin, but it was probably worth the savings despite the slight inconvenience.
Saturday morning saw Ou and myself head over to the Iloilo convention centre to get our admin out of the way as soon as it opened, beating the rush of the next few days as around five hundred competitors arrived from local regions and much further afield and began their sign in and equipment check.Once we’d secured our shooter cards and goodie bags (including very handy world shoot branded water canteen and folding chair) we once again voted with our stomachs and dined at a local steakhouse before returning to spend the afternoon putting together a briefing package for the other Taiwanese shooters.
Pre-shoot was open and we were allowed to walk the floor and assess the stages from behind their cordons but not actually enter and fully ‘brief’ all the movements and positions. Nonetheless it was useful to see how things varied from the ‘artists impressions’ which were
“ARRIVING FINALLY IN ILOILO MID-EVENING WE ALL SETTLED IN AND REFRESHED OURSELVES BEFORE HEADING ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE HOTEL TO INVOLVE OURSELVES IN THE LOCAL CULTURE AND CUISINE, A THEME WHICH PERSISTED THROUGHOUT THE ADVENTURE! THE HOSPITALITY AND FOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE ALMOST AS UNQUESTIONABLE AS THEIR MARKSMANSHIP…”
released (or at least half of them were) to allow people to practise remotely for some of the stages and just get their heads around them in general. Job done, and having bumped into a few familiar faces from afar already, we retired for another local dinner and then the hotel to check our equipment; venting all the magazines for air travel inevitably lead to leaky main seals so we serviced them all and resealed them somewhat more leisurely than the people arriving much closer to go time at least.
Sunday for me was largely spent joining our friends from team Spring Rain for an afternoon of turning money into brass/lead/powder which I then turned into noise, burnt powder and smiles, but the live fire shenanigans will be covered in greater detail in the next instalment.
GOING GLOBAL
Monday saw the arrival of many of the international competitors and again familiar faces some of whom I was meeting in person for the first time, others who I was seeing again, typically after too long, as I often feel is the case.
Ou and I spent a lot of our time as booth bunnies at Clarence’s CLPD stall, where we were showing off not only our personal Production Optics CLPD Shadow 2 Oranges, but also a wide array of his latest custom components as well as meeting other sponsored shooters who had descended upon Iloilo.
We also had time to saunter around the other stalls
and check out some of the latest equipment from various suppliers, including trying out a virtual IPSC stage system with a laser video game gas blowback training style setup using a projector; naturally everyone was getting in the competitive mood to set the best time, especially the Hong Kongers! We also had the pleasure of meeting some of the local shooters, and along with the 4UAD squad who had arrived, we were treated to excellent hospitality and an awesome big ‘family’ feeding with a fair sized group of the Philippines shooters, Clarence and Katherine and ourselves, all thanks to Trish (and Brian albeit in absence) for organising an epic meal on the beachfront with the waves rolling in and an awesome sunset spent drinking from coconuts! Excellent food and drink, even better company, as is my wont and good fortune it seems…
Tuesday the 29th saw the arrival of the rest of our team and a reunion lunch followed by the opening festivities in the evening, thankfully quite close to our hotel in a sports centre which we decided to take a motorcade of motorcycle sidecar taxis the short ride to and avoiding working up too much of a sweat off the bat.
The nineteen countries represented at the
“TUESDAY THE 29TH SAW THE ARRIVAL OF THE REST OF OUR TEAM AND A REUNION LUNCH FOLLOWED BY THE OPENING FESTIVITIES IN THE EVENING, THANKFULLY QUITE CLOSE TO OUR HOTEL IN A SPORTS CENTRE WHICH WE DECIDED TO TAKE A MOTORCADE OF MOTORCYCLE SIDECAR TAXIS THE SHORT RIDE TO”
World Shoot rallied their competitors behind their respective signs and we all took the opportunity for selfies, photo ops, banter and catching up with friendly faces before the event kicked off good and proper and we were ushered in alphabetically to enter the arena and take the stage before lining up behind our country signs once again.
This was followed by the range office and officials groups and then the opening addresses from the IPSC president Vitaly, Range director Myro and local officials representing Iloilo, also followed by the cultural element of their traditional dancers in costume which certainly dazzled the crowd. We also took the opportunity to deck all the CLPD sponsored shooters present in our team jerseys and get a nice big family photo with the man himself and his good lady Katherine of course… It’s always great to feel a part of something bigger and among the best of company.
Wednesday the 30th rolled around and we dragged ourselves out of bed somewhat groggy from the inevitable festivities of the night before and donned our team jerseys for day one of the main event. Ten stages a day for three of the four shooting days, with every squad having a rest day somewhere in among it, ours being
the Friday. Most of the shooters were squadded into ‘overall’ teams of four from each country or team working together and competing against two other teams of four in each squad of twelve, split by division for the most part.
Ou, myself, Dong Liang and Wei had decided early on in the planning phase to team up as a four man squad from our various local teams and represent Taiwan in Production Optics division, with Ou and myself running CLPD Shadow 2 Oranges, and the other two running Glocks. We got special jerseys done just for our squad, as well as velcro patches with our gun types and our four ‘avatars’ or mascots of sorts emblazoned on them. I also took the liberty of tracking down four Taiwanese stone tiger plushies, our team mascot being the eponymous endangered native feline
“OU, MYSELF, DONG LIANG AND WEI HAD DECIDED EARLY ON IN THE PLANNING PHASE TO TEAM UP AS A FOUR MAN SQUAD FROM OUR VARIOUS LOCAL TEAMS AND REPRESENT TAIWAN IN PRODUCTION OPTICS DIVISION, WITH OU AND MYSELF RUNNING CLPD SHADOW 2 ORANGES, AND THE OTHER TWO RUNNING GLOCKS”
which also took pride of place on our left sleeves. Due to various competitors being unable to make the trip after sign up, and others opting to squad with their own national teammates, there was some reshuffling of things and while we had originally we had been slated to compete alongside Hong Kong and Macau squads. In the end the Macau folks seemed to squad largely with themselves and we got substituted a squad of Filipino sportsmen; I think we wouldn’t have had such a raucous time without the reshuffle, with livewires Clyde Santos, Ed Vergara Jr, Jan Michael Santiago and Roger Gerardo making for plenty of lively camaraderie and exchanges balanced out by the usually more stoic and focused Hong Kong shooters Warout Lau, Ricky Lau, Justin Chan and Sky Fong.
NO TIME FOR A BREAKDOWN!
Normally I’d give breakdowns of the stages and we might find space for a photo of the layout CAD or an in situ picture of someone running it, but with thirty to deal with and many of them blurring into similarity I’ll eschew the usual depth and focus on the performance, human element and things of note; more details can be found in the innumerate photos on my public Facebook Stewbacca Island Insider page should you be so interested…
Squad 16 assembled on stage 16 around 08:00 ready for the first of many briefings and walkthroughs, with us doing stages 17-20 before breaking for lunch, followed by stages 11-15 afterwards.
Stage 17 messed me up as my first run was really slick, fast and accurate, but the ending plate didn’t register my final hit, so I had to do a re-shoot almost immediately after and picked up a no-shoot as a result of being a bit flustered (another technical fault that screwed me over)! I shot it otherwise clean aside from a single charlie out of 22 hits, so I was personally
having a middling day with the usual excellent marksmanship but slow old man knees and Philippine feeding-related chonk holding me back!
That and in general, the stages had to be designed with the stature of the myriad junior competitors in mind, so many of the windows in barricades, or other obstacles were comically low for me and resulted in planning a lot of finishes on my knees (ooh err) as getting back up again or squatting low with my knees is no small feat, and I’m apparently not permitted to fold myself over and shoot somewhat inverted either under the rules it seems!
Another departure from the norm was the inclusion of ‘falling plates’ in a few of the stages, particularly stage 15 at the end of my first day was painful and took me nearly half a minute to complete. This would be the source of much conversation and consternation over the course of the event it seems; falling plates were specifically not counted as poppers in the rules and therefore could not be challenged on calibration grounds (as indeed many poppers were throughout, usually unsuccessfully as far as I saw) but while the porting of real steel ideas over to action air added to a lot of diversification of target presentations, the reliable dislodging of the falling plates (or lack thereof, it seems!) caused a great deal of dismay, especially in the top-end shooters where fractions of seconds are everything.
Personally, I was under no illusions of finishing anywhere near the top of the board given the competition present, and was largely there for the experience and to bring you the story of course, but personally I knocked the first of two ‘Mickey Mouse’ ear style plates on a swinging arm that presented them through gaps or over the top of a barricade momentarily during their travel, then dumped four definite hits into the second before it finally fell, eating so much time and ammunition
“I THINK WE WOULDN’T HAVE HAD SUCH A RAUCOUS TIME WITHOUT THE RESHUFFLE, WITH LIVEWIRES CLYDE SANTOS, ED VERGARA JR, JAN MICHAEL SANTIAGO AND ROGER GERARDO MAKING FOR PLENTY OF LIVELY CAMARADERIE AND EXCHANGES BALANCED OUT BY THE USUALLY MORE STOIC AND FOCUSED HONG KONG SHOOTERS”
in the process that re-watching the first person headcam and third person phonecam videos is borderline painful, but, what can you do?
Nothing, apparently, with word round the campfire spreading of the stages involving such targets, strategising inevitably resulted in many electing to ‘eat it’ on the misses rather than waste the time and BBs on unreliable, if interesting, target presentations. In some cases people would just double or triple tap them and incur more reloads just to try and ensure dislodging the plates. That, therefore, made their inclusion a little moot for the most part as the top performers would just game the system or take the losses, whereas I tend to attempt everything out of principle or have the pressing need to ‘finish the fight’ as I take a more combative mindset towards shooting that in all honesty is probably better suited to IDPA than raw sport IPSC at times.
I genuinely appreciate the effort to diversify things, but ideally thinner, lighter aluminium plates with smaller steel or magnet inserts which
are more likely to fall upon impact of relatively light BBs rather than the usual required live rounds would likely be preferable in future, given the comparative lack of energy airsoft guns impart on steels which are magnetically held in place.
Many felt the organisation attitude was a bit of a one way street as well it seems, with “It’s a world shoot; no excuses / you should know better!” being the general feeling when competitors had problems, but when aforementioned technical issues ensued it didn’t cut the same way back in the competitors favour as such, the consensus seems to be more testing or ensuring reliable props and their consistent implementation would be better in future, but time constraints and a potential need for standardisation obviously factor in. All that said, aside from one Delta on a moving swinger target on stage 19, I’d done pretty well keeping it predominantly alphas and usually one or two charlies at most for the first day, and had gotten through it otherwise uneventfully, stage 15 falling plates aside.
SECOND DAY BLUES
Day Two (Thursday the 31st of July) began on stage 26, at the far back corner of the convention centre, squad 16 congregated and began sorting out our equipment and preparing for the first briefing of the day, which was a bit of a hall of mirrors with lots of different angles on targets hidden behind the various barricades we had to navigate through, largely uneventful at least throughout.
Stage 27, however, almost saw me disqualified on a technicality!
In an attempt to have my head camera and phone ready for filming and not holding things up, I absent-mindedly started briefing with my phone in my
“NORMALLY I’D GIVE BREAKDOWNS OF THE STAGES AND WE MIGHT FIND SPACE FOR A PHOTO OF THE LAYOUT CAD OR AN IN SITU PICTURE OF SOMEONE RUNNING IT, BUT WITH THIRTY TO DEAL WITH AND MANY OF THEM BLURRING INTO SIMILARITY I’LL ESCHEW THE USUAL DEPTH AND FOCUS ON THE PERFORMANCE, HUMAN ELEMENT AND THINGS OF NOTE”
hand, and got pulled up by one of the ROs for it who thought I was actively filming my briefing! Thankfully his compatriot clarified that my phone had been flat in my hand and couldn’t have been filming, but I was somewhat shocked by the sudden escalatory attitude for a technicality rather than a safety violation. Thankfully I just picked up my only procedural of the competition and managed to complete the stage without any other incidents at least. This probably comes back to the much more lax environment in Taiwan and the fast and loose ‘wild west, out east’ attitude to enforcing or reminding competitors of such rules which doesn’t serve us on a wider scale at times.
Stage 28 was a relatively stationary shooting position with a pedal activator that had to be stomped on and then released to let loose two swingers, one either side of a the barricaded rear portion. My long arms at least helped me get easier sighting on the swingers but I still managed to pick up another delta on one of them.
Stage 29 involved a sliding target presentation activated by opening a door which I once again managed to use my long arm advantage to activate the door while moving to engage the side bays first so the central targets would have already come to rest by the time I got to them
Last before lunch, Stage 30 was a long run around stage with a lot of target presentations to move through but was really enjoyable to run through and cleared with only 3 charlies out of 29 shots… Good fun!
An early break for lunch having finished a few short courses and one long one in good time saw me and Ou return to booth babe work on the CLPD stand and share
our experiences with other shooters checking out the wares and trying to corrupt more of the Hong Kong shooters away from their HiCapa dominated lives to join us in the shadows, as well as a comical impromptu shoulder massage for Mr Santos!
The afternoon saw us take on Stages 21-25 and Vic from Popular Airsoft finally caught up with our squad and we featured in one of his ongoing livestreams for a while as I was once again struggling to contort myself into small spaces to aim through low windows and narrow slots.
Stage 22 was an interesting ‘we’re on a boat’ stage with us shooting from within a prop sail boat we began sitting down in and hand to stand up, turn the wheel to activate the bank of targets and falling plates to the left which raised and lowered from behind a barricade and back down periodically, chamber a round a round and engage them likely having to reload on the way to the other side of the mast and engaging the stationary targets there.
I got a bit of a telling off for being too raucous
“STAGE 17 MESSED ME UP AS MY FIRST RUN WAS REALLY SLICK, FAST AND ACCURATE, BUT THE ENDING PLATE DIDN’T REGISTER MY FINAL HIT, SO I HAD TO DO A RE-SHOOT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER AND PICKED UP A NO-SHOOT AS A RESULT OF BEING A BIT FLUSTERED (ANOTHER TECHNICAL FAULT THAT SCREWED ME OVER)”
as we were all having good natured banter throughout and Clyde mucked up the starting condition but the particular RO didn’t appreciate my commentary, and was quite literally, running a tight ship, but I otherwise only picked up a lone charlie along with the sit at the back of the class moment.
Stage 23 was a further problematic stage involving an array of falling plates which were activated along with a slowly opening automatic door by virtue of a push button.
We had to start with the gun on a table and all our mags staged beside it, and I once again struggled to knock the plates down on the first impacts and dumped a magazine to try and eliminate them, then had to run back around to the start table on the front right to retrieve a fresh mag burning through more time again… sucks to be me, I guess… ugh, I hate failures on technical grounds or ‘badministration’ on my own part.
Stage 24 was at least a highlight for me; we’d practised this one at our own club and I’d realised I could game the system by finally using my height
to my advantage!
The end of the stage involved a platform most competitors would move forward and mount to shoot through the windows to knock the four falling plates off their stalks and engage the ending plate after engaging all the other target arrays dotted around in front and to the sides of the central rear bay… I, however, managed to just sweep left from the right side engaging everything including the plates through the small windows as I was tall enough to get line of sight from the very rear (Stu special attack!), the only problem being I flustered the left hand paper targets and messed up the stage as a result somewhat, eating four misses on the two papers… sad times, but at least the height advantage move was applauded! I blame Vic for distracting me before my run, that’s my excuse for the flustercluck and I’m sticking to it!
Stage 25 was a lot of knee ache for me, squatting very low to shoot through two floor level windows to engage some papers and poppers on symmetrical presentations, which I once again
“ANOTHER
DEPARTURE FROM THE NORM WAS THE INCLUSION OF ‘FALLING PLATES’ IN A FEW OF THE STAGES, PARTICULARLY STAGE 15 AT THE END OF MY FIRST DAY WAS PAINFUL AND TOOK ME NEARLY HALF A MINUTE TO COMPLETE. THIS WOULD BE THE SOURCE OF MUCH CONVERSATION AND CONSTERNATION OVER THE COURSE OF THE EVENT IT SEEMS…”
planned around ending on my knees again to avoid having to get up more than once, the Aussie RO sharing his sympathies for my struggles. I at least shot it clean, and with that we rounded off our second full day of shooting, again fairly early at just after 1500 compared to the planned timings thanks to doing a lot of the shorter stages during the day.
R&R… FOR SOME!
Day Three was our rest day, but that didn’t mean I was slacking off! As part of the media team as well as an active participant, I wanted to take in more of the event during the day where I didn’t actually have to do any shooting myself, and managed to spend some time milling around stages I had already completed and giving my two cents to friends old and new who were passing through them, as well as taking some time to press the flesh and chinwag with some of the competitors I hadn’t had time to meet yet but knew from our online exploits or past competition visits.
I also managed to help out filming some runs for people which in the case of our friend Ning from Hong Kong was very helpful as the footage managed to ratify that she had indeed double tapped a target through the same hole which one of the ROs was unsure about… so it was nice to feel useful at least!
I also finally got to catch up with the UK squad and spend some time seeing them all shoot and asking about their thoughts and feelings about the whole event and their own performances which was nice, followed of course by the obligatory Brit abroad group selfie, naturally!
The evening saw Ou, Wei and myself join Clarence, Katherine, Jacky and Zhong ge for another dinner at the same excellent seaside restaurant down along the coast where we’d met the Filipinos en masse earlier in the week… more coconuts and barbecued meats!
HIT REPEAT
Day Four (Saturday the 2nd of August) saw us take on stages - 6-10 in the morning, largely without incident again, before returning for stages 1-5 to finish things off.
Stage 1 saw one of the RO’s questioning my equipment but checking the photos of the equipment check and realising it had already been approved; I hadn’t bothered taking off my own self-retracting chamber flag from my shooters belt.
All the ROs had their own to help clear chambers on guns that don’t naturally drop the BB out when their action is opened, a minor issue that was resolved easily enough by me just ditching it off, but his concern threw me off kilter a bit and I forgot to reload my magazines during the ensuing discussion which messed up my next run on stage 2 as I’d once again done the ‘badministration’ aspect with magazine and ammunition management.
Beyond that I managed to get through the final stages without much incident, aside from tagging a no shoot on stage 4 because I shot that target array first in double action and drove the gun down as a result of the longer, heavier trigger pull. Bad planning on my own part really in that case
Stage 5 rolled around and we finished and all of us breathed a sigh of relief that we had endured all thirty stages over the four days and managed to not get disqualified… not everyone was so lucky, with quite a few suffering technical or safety violations, and some having near misses.
We all stowed our equipment and involved ourselves with taking pictures of the squad and observing and encouraging others who were just finishing up in the same zone as well. In the end it turns out most of squad 16 were the best shooters, with Warout Lau taking second overall, Justin Chan taking 3rd, Ed Vergara taking 4th, Ricky Lau in 5th, Clyde Santos in 6th, Sky
“SUNDAY WAS THE SHOOT-OFFS, WITH THE LEADING TRIOS OF EACH DIVISION AND AGE GROUP FACING OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER SIDE BY SIDE, DOING THE EXCITING SIMULTANEOUS STEEL POPPER-DROPPING CHALLENGES IN A BEST OF THREE FORMAT WITH THE COMPETITORS SWAPPING FAULT LINE BOXES AFTER EACH ROUND”
Fong in 9th, our own Ou Jiacheng in 11th, while Jan Michael Santiago in 16th, Wei Syun in 22nd, Dong Liang in 27th, Roger Gerardo taking 38th, and yours truly back in 40th of 46 completing competitors.
I don’t feel too hard done by in all honesty, given the calibre of the competition and the clear capabilities of the other guys in my squad to wipe the floor with basically everyone else in attendance, and just be the best sportsmen and compatriots while doing so.
Overall there were endless hilarious moments and great memories made throughout; our own Lin YiJun also managed to be the best performing lady in our division taking 29th, and she’s only been participating in shooting in general for around two years thus far, and only qualified in IPSC last year, but is clearly a dedicated and capable young lady, including with live firearms which we’ll touch on more in the final instalment.
Luckily the worst member of each four person squad didn’t have their scores counted to the squad scoring for the overall competition between us as groups, so I didn’t feel as bad about being the deadweight as it didn’t drag the other guys down as I had worried about… a good way of scoring to my mind to avoid very bad days
dragging everyone down with you.
The evening saw us having a team SPPT Korean BBQ meal which I left after a little earlier having had my fill to go and meet the Filipino and Hong Kong contingents for further drinks and celebrating, the demanding schedule of the social butterfly that I am, fellow shooters! It was great feeling to have everything done with at least and just focus on letting my hair down (I guess that adage doesn’t work for me anymore in reality…), but some still had to wake up early the next morning to shoot again…
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
Sunday was the shoot-offs, with the leading trios of each division and age group facing off against each other side by side, doing the exciting simultaneous steel popper-dropping challenges in a best of three format with the competitors swapping fault line boxes after each round. It took the whole morning and into the early afternoon, but spirits were high, and everyone was displaying excellent sportsmanship as competitors duelled it out to decide who was the fastest on felling the plates! lots of hugs, handshakes and cheering crowds which are a bit of a departure of the more isolated individual
against yourself and the clock manner of the rest of the competition and stages; you never know until everyone has finished and all the scores are tabulated who has placed where, whereas the shoot outs have a much more direct and competitive tension and feel to them, which adds something extra to the closing days and lets everyone enjoy the exploits of the best competitors.
A power nap in the afternoon refreshed us all somewhat from all the tense action and the summer heat, before we made our way back to the convention centre which had been transformed overnight, all the stages being disassembled and replaced with the dining tables for the final formalities, along with the feasting and announcing the victors.
I made myself busy juggling throwing crepes down my gullet and taking pictures of the officials and competitors taking the stage, the cost of a double or triple life, it seems!
Doing the media bit once again I took so many photos that my phone damn near gave up the ghost and I had to start deleting older files to free up space; needless to say there were an awful lot of Hong Kong flags on the podium, as we’ve all come to expect, along with a good showing from
Macau, and the Philippines hosts, with some of the Mongolians, Indonesians, Taiwanese and Brits taking the stage as well, all in excellent spirits
We also had an additional reason to celebrate as local match director Myro Lopez just happened to be celebrating his birthday among hundreds of the best shooters in the world, so naturally Clarence dragged him up on stage to present a cake and have him share his further thoughts.
And so it was that all of the festivities tailed off as we all made our way back to our hotels, many of us just outright exhausted from the onslaught of action and general lack of sleep most of us had endured.
A great many thanks to Myro for organising an excellent match, Alex Cruz for all her outstanding efforts in getting everyone’s gun permits sorted and helping everyone navigate it all, the sterling work of the RO team and administrative personnel, my squad mates in the Taiwanese stone tigers, team SPPT, Taiwanese compatriots who had a very strong showing, and of course the countless other competitors from myriad countries I had the distinct pleasure of competing alongside and witnessing the skill and dedication of. Until next time, fellow shooters… I think I’ve earned a bit of a rest… but probably not for long!
