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Arms Magazine

Arms Magazine
Language: Japanese
Print Frequency: Monthly
Avg. Page Count: 250 – 300 pages


Arms Magazine (Missing Issues have all been "Borrowed" and never returned Crying or Very sad )

Japan has some of the strictest gun control laws going back to the US occupation of Japan after WWII. This did not take into account model or replica guns nor the Japanese appetite for weapons technologies and thus the Airsoft industry was developed, grew, shrank and grown again thanks to the globalization of the Internet. There are still Japanese laws that prohibit the export of replica weaponry directly to the US (Watch out for Websites that claim to sell direct from Japan), so large Airsoft companies like Tokyo Marui, KSC, etc. are very Japanese centric in their marketing. Thus the reason there a few monthly Airsoft related magazines, each publishing over 200 pages a piece per month.

Arms Magazine is one of 2 most distributed Japanese airsoft magazines. Arms is published by Hobby Japan, famous for magazines devoted to things like Gundam Models. Arms focuses on Airsoft as a Hobby, Skirmishes, Anime, etc. This magazine is famous for it's cover girls/airsoft guns and have done some pretty weird things with this combination Wink Most issues have Centerfolds/Posters of the girls with some sort of gun in some sort of costume and a section of pictorials. Some of their main articles have included:

  • Game and Anime Toy Gun Guide
  • War in Iraq
  • Real Gun Shooting in Guam (Guns shot by a cute girl, DVD included)
  • Ghost in the Shell, Stand Alone Complex Weapons
  • CQS Close Quarters Sniping

Arms is devoted to people who play airsoft and reenact movies/tv/historical battles. The gun reviews are the same caliber as COMBAT magazine, but it's a much more light hearted view of Airsoft.

There are reviews of skirmish areas and specific tactics to use. There's even an on-going section of places to skirmish with a guy wearing a Luche Libre mask and goggles and his crew of misfits, going around and challenging the local at each skirmish site. Hella funny!

There are also reviews of Airsoft Shops, Airsoft Recycle Shops (Used Airsoft) and trick 3rd party upgrade houses like Fortress (Fortress was the first shop to jam an AK gearbox into the M249). Tons of "How To's" to modify your gun's appearance and performance and very interesting articles on the Garage Shops (Resin Kit and Metal shops) that make a stock AEG into a Sci Fi classic.

Of course to fill the 200+ pages are hundreds of pages of ads by Airsoft Manufacturers, Retailers, ,Airsoft Garage Shops, Military Surplus and Uniform Reproduction Dealers. Typically a full color ad from a large Airsoft manufacturer will indicate when a new gun will be released. As you know the detail Japanese Airsoft goes into, combat gear and uniform reproduction are just as accurately detailed (I purchased USMC Jungle Marpat almost 2 years ago, before it was available to our Marines, and an M44 WW2 Field Jacket Repro).

Arms is a magazine for the Airsoft Player and Collector. A very fun look at the world of airsoft.

I hope to have the time to Highlight translate and post different issues and articles I run across. Maybe I'll just post the Airsoft girlies pics…

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COMBAT Magazine

COMBAT Magazine
Language: Japanese
Print Frequency: Monthly
Avg. Page Count: 200 – 260 pages


COMBAT Magazine

Japan has some of the strictest gun control laws going back to the US occupation of Japan after WWII. This did not take into account model or replica guns nor the Japanese appetite for weapons technologies and thus the Airsoft industry was developed, grown, shrank and grown again thanks to the globalization of the Internet. There are still Japanese laws that prohibit the export of replica weaponry directly to the US (Watch out for Websites that claim to sell direct from Japan), so large Airsoft companies like Tokyo Marui, KSC, etc. are very Japanese centric in their marketing. Thus the reason there a few monthly Airsoft related magazines, each publishing over 200 pages a piece per month.

COMBAT Magazine is one of 2 most distributed Japanese airsoft magazines. COMBAT focuses on "REAL STEEL" weapons in relation to the Airsoft counterparts. Typically each issue will start out with a multipage review of a "Real Steel" or Military weapon or technology. Some Real Steel/Military reviews have included:

  • AMP DSR-1 Modular Sniper Rifle System .338 Lapua Magnum
  • JGSDF (Japanese Ground Self Defense Force) CQB Training
  • Barreta CX-4 Storm (Pistol based Carbine rifle)
  • M4 Sniper
  • SIG P226/Rail
  • Small Arms of the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Aimpoint Lasers and LAM
  • US Shot Show Review (About 50 pages of pics)
  • STI Super Comp
  • "Future Warrior" A look into the next gen of weapons and gear

Usually there's always a few pages devoted to the JGSDF (Japanese Army) excercises and tactics. Then it will go into the new Airsoft developments and in alot of cases relate that directly with a Real Steel counterpart. There are also articels on mil/sim video games and always a section devoted to action movies (that use alot of guns).

There are of course Airsoft and Model gun reviews. In most cases guns are reviewed in this magazine 1-2 months before they go retail. (hehe this isn't the case of the TOP Mp40, which has had a few reviews and still isn't available for retail).

There are also reviews of Airsoft Shops, Airsoft Recycle Shops (Used Airsoft) and trick 3rd party upgrade houses like Fortress (Fortress was the first shop to jam an AK gearbox into the M249).

Of course to fill the 200+ pages are hundreds of pages of ads by Airsoft Manufacturers, Retailers, ,Airsoft Garage Shops, Military Surplus and Uniform Reproduction Dealers. Typically a full color ad from a large Airsoft manufacturer will indicate when a new gun will be released. As you know the detail Japanese Airsoft goes into, combat gear and uniform reproduction are just as accurately detailed (I purchased USMC Jungle Marpat almost 2 years ago, before it was available to our Marines, and an M44 WW2 Field Jacket Repro).

COMBAT is a magazine for the true Gun Freak, be it Airsoft or Real Steel. It's very "No Nonsense" in it's approach and reviews are based on fact.

I hope to have the time to Highlight translate and post different issues and articles I run across.

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Army Stuff!!!

Hehe this is cool shizzo! One of my friends/coworkers/neighbors was in the National Guard and was called to active duty about 6 months ago.

He just came home for a 4 day leave and will be shipped off to Kuwait on Friday. But he brought back pics and a duffle bag full of M82 Aimpoints, Surefire Tac Lights, PAQ 4's and a bunch of other goodies… Funny part is the Army issues all these goodies but the M16A2 and the M4's have nothing ot mount most of this stuff on. So peeps are duct taping Surefires to their foregrips.

My friend was an M1 Abrams Tank Gunner in the Guard, but whe they went Active Duty, he is now a mobile urban armor unit (Humvee Humper).

So on to the pics!!!


M16 A2, EOTech Reflex Site, M2 .50 cal Thermal Site, Surefire Tac Light w/ Infrared tip off filter, PAQ4

Hehe, that big thing on the right side is off an M2 .50 cal, Because this unit was an armor unit in the NG they still have alot ot heavy equipment. Some creative mounting and voila… A thermal imagaing site n an M16A2. The PAQ4 is and Infrared/Laser Illuminator. It has a safety on it that they can only take off out of country that sets the laser to blind the enemy.


Training in the new MOUT center in WA with MILES

Note they are getting the MICH TC2200 type of helmet (Replicas are made after the TC2000 type) new style BDU's, Interceptor Vests and MOLLE LBV's.


Another pose LOL


New MOUT center in WA

and last but not least.. MOUT entry training video!

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Retailer – Wargame Club (aka WGC) – Hong Kong


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I have purchased many airsoft guns and accessories from Hong Kong and locally here in California. I have been very fortunate to have met an dealt with some great people and purchased some great airsoft products and services. In most cases Japan will not ship airsoft directly to the U.S. and precautions have to be made for Hong Kong retailers to sell to the U.S. because of U.S. Gun Control Laws and Manufacturer Copyrights.

Wargame Club
Location: Hong Kong

I have purchased 1 AEG from Wargame Club and many accessories:

Marui G3/SG1 (See review for more detailed info)

I ordered this gun from Wargame Club (WGC) and had them add; 450fps spring and gearbox upgrade. The upgrade they installed was wonderful and this gun has great accuracy and distance plus full auto capabilities. I added a Marui scope mount, HK Sling and Rubber Armored X40 Scope.
From the time I sent them funds via Paypal this rig arrived at my door in 5 working days. Very efficient service!

Currently this is how the rig looks
 

I have purchased a few airsoft weapons from Wargame Club and many accessories.

I have lost count of how many orders I have placed for accessories from WGC, but there have been many and each one gets to me in 2 to 3 days after sending them money. I now seem to place all my orders for airsoft accessories and replacement parts to WGC.

Their website is simple but easy to navigate for the amount of items they list, their shipping costs are very reasonable and have a very good selection of parts. They may not be the first to carry custom parts from Japan, but when they get them you can be sure they have them in stock. I have been able to repair many AEG's and Gas Guns due to the fact WGC offers all the spare parts needed.

Their email replies are prompt and pleasant and both pre and post service communication are good. They are also the most patient and reasonable of airsoft retailers. There has been more then 1 occasion where I needed to change an item in an order after I sent money and right before they shipped the product, but they were happy to help in all situations.

WGC offers alot of Custom Rigs with some interesting variants of AEGs. They also offer a great selection of beginners packages. They seem to be very sensitive to what people who play airsoft need. Although they don't offer the high ticket items like Den Trinity does, they seem to have a good mix of offerings to cover the beginner to the advanced airsoft player.  

Edit 1/2007

I'm still purchasing regularly (almost monthly) from WGC. They haven't screwed up any orders at all. The end of 2006, they sent a nice Christmas suprise:


WGC Cap, Calendar and Mousepad

The WGC Cap and Mousepad are pretty self explanatory. The Calender is neat becasue they took pics from their customers around the world and added them to each month. WGC is a class act among airsoft retailers! 

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Retailer – Den Trinity – Hong Kong

 
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Den Trinity
Hong Kong

I have purchased a few airsoft guns from Den Trinity and many accessories:

CL Custom Neo G3 Shorty

Based on a Marui MC51 but with a full stock modified to accept a 9.6 battery. (Although it says CL, meaning their ex airsoft gunsmith, Clarence Lai, he has parted ways from Den for some time now.)
Den Trinity installed a 400fps Spring and Gearbox upgrade as well. I added a G&G R.I.S. Foregrip, G&G Tactical Flashlight, a few High cap mags, Guarder Scope Mount and Gaurder 3 Point Sling. Later I added a 42mm Simmons Red Dot Scope, Flip top scope covers and Bushmaster R.I.S. Rail covers I purchased locally to finish this setup. This rig was inspired by a custom gun built by a local Airsoft Retailer, Airsoft Extreme but mine is the "budget" version since I could piece the parts I really wanted and omit some of the pricier ones. From the time I sent them funds via Paypal this rig arrived at my door in 7 working days. Very efficient service!

The performance of this rig is awesome. It cuts soda cans in half and is VERY accurate.

Currently this is how the rig looks

Marui AK47 Beita Spetnaz

Then I wanted to get a good CQB medium range weapon and thought of an MP5 based rig, but decided on the AK Beita Spetnaz for the reliability and accuracy of the stock gearbox. I have kept the internals stock and added a JUST Scope mount, Spetnaz Sling, Scorpion Tac Light and Walther Red Dot Scope. Since this was a stock setup, it only took about 3 working days to receive this rig.

I had the good fortune to visit Hong Kong and paid Den Trinity a visit. Even though I feel the prices on the website are reasonable, I was able to haggle down the prices on the list of accessories which include a P90 Silencer, Tactical Vest a few drop leg holsters batteries and bb's. Probably due to the fact I paid in Hong Kong Dollars. Their shop is small by U.S. standards, but full of products. They build many custom parts (i.e. AK47 metal bodies, reinforced gear boxes, etc.) and seem to be the first Airsoft shop to get new high profile items from Japan. Den's prices are inline with other Hong Kong retailers, but I did notice their shipping prices always tend to be higher (Sometimes by $10.00 to $20.00). 

One downside is Nelson, the guy who runs the shop is rather rude.  It was better to deal with him over email to say the least.  Their email replies are prompt and to the point and both pre and post service communication are good.

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Retailer – Red Wolf Airsoft – Hong Kong


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I have purchased many airsoft guns and accessories from Hong Kong and locally here in California. I have been very fortunate to have met an dealt with some great people and purchased some great airsoft products and services. In most cases Japan will not ship airsoft directly to the U.S. and precautions have to be made for Hong Kong retailers to sell to the U.S. because of U.S. Gun Control Laws and Manufacturer Copyrights.

RedWolf Airsoft
Location: Hong Kong

I have purchased 1 AEG from Redwolf Airsoft and some accessories:

Marui M4 R.I.S.

I ordered this gun from RedWolf during one of the Special Promotions. It was VERY inexpensive and included shipping costs and discount on extra magazines, This was about 3 months after Marui released the M4 R.I.S. so I was eager to place this order. Added a Ready Mag System, M120 Spring and upgraded Gears, 9.6 1700Mah Ready Mag batteries, Systema M4 Metal Body, Bushmaster R.I.S. Shields, SAS 3 point Sling and Norinco Red Dot Scope with handle mount.

Currently this is how the rig looks

RedWolf's sales guy(s) are very helpful and they will carry some trick items from time to time. But there website is in some need of a shopping cart program. The have some nice reviews of airsoft products and a nice section for the "do it yourselfer". Also their prices are eon the high side compared to other Hong Kong retailers, but they will match prices. And as in the special deal I got on this M4, they sometimes have insane sales.

I ordered a [URL="http://www.digitalwastelands.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=29"]Tokyo Maru M4 R.I.S.[/URL] from RedWolf during one of the Special Promotions. It was VERY inexpensive and included shipping costs and discount on extra magazines, This was about 3 months after Marui released the M4 R.I.S. so I was eager to get this item.

The down side on this is my M4's gear box crapped out and plastic body broke a week after I received it. No fault on RedWolfs part, but emails went unanswered pertaining to this. (They used to have a 7 day return policy) but at that time they just partnered up with The QProject local to California and they tried to help me get this fixed for a discount. I chose to go with Airsoft Extreme though which are also local to me in that I trust them from past work, upgrades and repairs.

Their website is functional but a bit sluggish to load at times. It has a customer loyalty type of point system that lets you spend earned points on products at a later date.  The 1 part the implemented is fixed weight costs on all items adn they padded the weights a bit it seems. Shipping charges tend to be higher using this method. 

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Retailer – Airsoft Extreme – California, USA


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I really can't say enough good things about this U.S. based retailer. Not only because of their direct support of this website, but their direct support of U.S. based airsoft in general. Airsoft is not a commodity for sale for AEX, they truly have passion for the hobby/sport with a huge emphasis on quality.

In the past, AEX has stopped selling certain airsoft manufacturers products, due solely to poor quality. They continue to sell the highest quality airsoft products and stand firmly behind all the products they sell with a 45 day warranty. AEX is always well stocked with high end airsoft products and their technical staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

AEX sponsors most major airsoft events/websites/publications and is one of the oldest U.S. based airsoft retailers.

AEX has 5 retail locations in CA, and a most triumphant website for your shopping pleasure.

Orig Review 2002

I have purchased many airsoft guns and accessories from Hong Kong and locally here in California. I have been very fortunate to have met an dealt with some great people and purchased some great airsoft products and services. In most cases Japan will not ship airsoft directly to the U.S. and precautions have to be made for Hong Kong retailers to sell to the U.S. because of U.S. Gun Control Laws and Manufacturer Copyrights.

Airsoft Extreme
Location: California, USA

I have purchased my first AEG from Airsoft Extreme and many accessories:

Marui FN P90

This was my first AEG, and the guys at Airsoft Extreme were very patient and informative for me the first time buyer. I have added an P90 Silencer, East Sling. Other then that it\'s stock and VERY accurate and reliable. The red dot scope works well too unless your are wearing a full face mask during skirmishes but puts you right on target.

Currently this is how the rig looks like

Airsoft Extreme is a reliable, ultra honest, U.S. Based airsoft retailer.  The are one of the oldest U.S. Based airsoft retailers and now have 5 retail locations; Santa Clara, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Oakland, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA.

My friend purchased my first AEG for me back in 2002.  The original TM P90 and  it has been working like new since it was first purchased.   Back then the guys were very patient with all of my questions and mind changing that you normally see with a first time AEG purchaser.  

A few months later I purchased a TM M4 R.I.S. from a Hong Kong based retailer called Redwolf (RW has no business relation with AEX).  This M4 R.I.S. broke soon after I received it and even though Redwolf has a U.S. based retailer that was willing to look at the M4 called the Qproject,  I sent my broken M4 to AEX, since I remembered their high level of customer service.  I had AEX install a Systema Metal Body and M-120 spring and Gear Upgrade. I wanted to have them to also install a bunch of other upgrades (i.e. Metal Outer Barrel, Reinforced Gearbox, Etc).   They honestly answered that I didn't "need" anything else. This shocked me, but I really appreciated their honesty.  I have since used AEX for all airsoft repairs and complicated upgrades.

The down side is being a US based airsoft retailer, is the customer pays more then if purchased directly from a Hong Kong retailer. But you don't have to worry about customs seizing you gun and it's comforting to know AEX stands behind everything they sell which is not the type of service you receive from an overseas purchase.

Their email replies are prompt and pleasant and both pre and post service communication are good. AEX also offers many Custom Rigs with some interesting variants. They also offer a starter packages on most AEGs.

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Wolf M97 – MK23 LAM Unit

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Manufacturer: RedWoflAirsoft (Hong Kong)
Type: Gear


Wolf M97 – MK23 LAM Unit

This LAM unit by Wolf sports both a tactical light and laser and is designed for use on any MK23 gun. The tactical light is a Surefire P60 clone and the unit uses 2 CR123A batteries that most tac light use.


Wolf M97 – MK23 LAM Unit

The unit is mostly plastic except for the tac light bulb housing. The light is very bright as it shoudl be. It's very easy to install on an MK23 and the $88.00 price makes it the most affordable LAM with laser and tac light available for any hand gun.

One big downside for me though… There are 2 seperate switches to turn the light or laser on. These are both pressure switches on the left side of the LAM. There is no "constant on" function to these switches and the placement of the switches makes holding the gun adn operating the swithches a bit awkward. It also is taller the the stock Marui LAM and will not fit in a KSC MK23 Holster.

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G&G Mustang – MICH Helmet

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Manufacturer: G&G (Taiwan)
Type: Gear


G&G Mustang – MICH Helmet

I seem to collect military helmets and this is my latest. The G&G Mustang – MICH Helmet. The MICH helmet is the latest "Special Forces" version of the PASGT helmet used by the Army. It's simular in shape to the PASGT, but does not have a bill or lip on the front of the helmet. The MICH also utilizes a paratrooper style chin strap or 4 point restraint system.

So how does this replica fare? Well the material used on this helmet is NOT Kevlar, but it has the same thickness of a real Kevlar helmet with about 1/2 the weight. But don't let that statement mislead you, it has a very robust, weighty build. the internal padding system is very adjustable and the padding absobs energy well. The 4 point chinstrap does a great job of pulling the helmet tightly but comfortably to your head, so running around is no problem.


G&G Mustang – MICH Helmet + Accessories

I've added the following:

  • Paulson ATAC "Frag" Goggles
  • MICH 3 Color Desert Helmet Cover
  • Eagle Goggle Cover

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Mosquito Molds – G3 CMag Drum Magazine

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Manufacturer: Mosquito Molds (Japan)
Type: Magazine


Mosquito Molds – G3 CMag Drum Magazine

The Mosquito Molds – G3/MC51 CMag Drum Magazine, is a manual winding, 3000 round capacity mag. It uses a Tokyo Marui G3 Highcap to "power the unit" but you still need to wind the mag occasionally to prime more bb's. It's mostly hard plastic construction does make the unit rather noisy when running around with a partial fill of bb's though.


Mosquito Molds – G3 CMag Drum Magazine on my G3SAS ROFL

There are small airsoft shops in Japan putting in electric motors on these mags like Echigoya.