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Magpul PTS – MOE Stock

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Manufacturer: Magpul-PTS
Type: Stock


Magpul – M.O.E. Stock

The Magpul – PTS M.O.E. Stock, is a replica of Magpul’s new "Magpul Original Equipment" line.

MOE is Magpul?s newest line of firearm accessories. Intended to be a low-cost, high-quality alternative to standard weapon components, MOE will be offered to manufacturers as OEM equipment, and to individuals seeking Magpul quality in their basic equipment upgrades. The MOE? line distinguishes itself with a simplified feature set, but maintains Magpul engineering and material quality.


Magpul – MOE Stock

While the MOE stock resembles the CTR stock, it’s missing the friction lock and QD swivel attachment point. But the MOE stock comes with the rubber butt pad that’s an extra item to buy on the CTR stock.


 Magpul – MOE Stock – Included Rubber Butt Pad

The fit was nice a tight on a Tokyo Marui Buffer Tube. So really no need for the friction lock of the CTR stock on this specific installation. The stock locks firmly in each position and has very positive fit to the buffer tube.

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Duratrax – Piranha and Onyx 230 Chargers

Manufacturer: Duratrax
Type: Battery Chargers and Related

I’ve gone through my fair share of chargers for airsoft batteries over the years. Had a few Radio Shack Wall Warts and TLP chargers. But my longest lasting, best performing charger has been my Duratrax Piranha.


Duratrax – Piranha {simplegrade:5}

I’ve had my Duratrax Piranha Digital Peak Charger since 2004. It can save setting for up to 10 presets. and it’s a programmable for 6 different features:

Tailor operation to your specific battery types with these programmable features:
Feature Programmable Range
Battery Type NiCd, NiMH – 1-8 cells
Charge Current 0.1-5.0A
Battery Capacity 50-5000mAh
Peak Sensitivity 3-20mV
Trickle Current 0, 100, 200mA
Sounds 5

IIRC I purchased this for under $50.00 and has performed well since purchase.


Duratrax – Onyx 230 Advanced AC/DC Charger {simplegrade:5}

I purchased the Duratrax Onyx 230 since it support LiPo, Li-Ion and LiFe battery charging. Most of this decision was based on the years of service my Duratrax Piranha has given me. It also has 10 programmable presets and a multitude of programming options.


Great Planes – Equinox LiPo Balancer

The Onyx 230 does not come with an onboard LiPo balancer. I went with the Equinox balancer from the recommendation of the distributor.

Will update this post with more info as I have more time with this Charger and Balancer combination.

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Tokyo Marui – AKS74U

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Manufacturer: Tokyo Marui (Japan)
Type: AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)
Date Acquired: 10/2008


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U

I honestly thought I reached my limit for AEG’s and I had seen the previous TM Blowback AEG the AK74MN and it only slightly piqued my interest. In fact I wrote off the TM AKS74U as being yet another AK74U release. But when i saw this being test fired at AEX, it was much more impressive then I would have imagined.


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U

The electric Blowback mechanism that TM created is a very clean implementation. The fake bolt blows back and closes forward consistently, unlike the VFC AK Blowback system. Info on both the TM AK74MN and VFC AK Blowback AEG’s here if interested. The Blowback on this AKS74U seems to be more powerful when compared to the AK74MN and gives the feeling of recoil when fired. This could also be due to the AKS74U being shorter and less mass. Just seeing that recoil when someone else test fired it sold me right then and there. This is also why I’m excited about the new Blowback M4 TM recently announced.


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U

The new TM AK74 Series takes a different type of AK magazine from the older TM version 3 gearbox AK’s. While at first I thought this was unfair, now seeing how the new design works, I’m happy to see the improvement. TM redesigned the Armalite style magazines on the Type 89 so they would feed/fire all bb’s in the magazine. They followed that design to the Mac-10 AEP’s magazines and have carried it onto the AK74 series. <speculation>Making an educated guess, the new Blowback M4’s will also have these new redesigned magazines as well and will not be able to use older Armalite style mags.<speculation>


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U

Another trend/design that TM has carried forward since the M14 and Type 89 is the build using a metal body. And compared to Chinese aftermarket AEG bodies, the Japanese designed metal bodies are an excellent build are a good balance of strength to weight.


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U

Only downside so far is the small battery compartment which you have to cram an 8.4 Mini battery in. I have a few Lipos on order to see how well they work. Will post updates on this later.

Of course I had to add a few parts…

  • ACM/EBB – PBS1 Silencer
  • ACM/EBB – Rubber Buttpad
  • Classic Army – KFH

Going with LiPo. (Update 01/2009)


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U – LiPo

The 8.4v Mini batteries (Intellect), I’ve been using on this AK have been a real pain to use. They barely fit in the hand guard, and I’ve run across a few brands that won’t fit at all, due to how the wiring was soldered onto the pack, use of spacers and length of wiring to connectors. The rate of fire with an 8.4 mini with the recoil system seemed to be a little sluggish.


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U – LiPo

I purchased a couple of 7.4v 1500 Mah, 25C CONTINUOUS / 40C BURST batteries form onlybatterypacks.com. These are dimensionally slightly smaller then an 8.4 Mini Battery pack, so hand guard fitment is MUCH easier. Even though it’s voltage is lower then an 8.4 mini, its output rate is higher and does result in higher ROF. Don’t worry… even though my existing chrono’s don’t measure ROF, I have 1 incoming just to do that. Will keep updating this to the performance of LiPo usage in this specific AEG.


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U – w/ Laylax Battery Sling

A user on a local forum asked me how the AKS74U would look/work with a Laylax battery sling. Works well and it looks as if TM designed in a couple of gaps on the hand guard to accommodate external wiring!


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U – w/ Laylax Battery Sling


Tokyo Marui – AKS74U – w/Freedom Art – Low Mount Base

Chrono Results (FPS)
.20 BB’s
Avg: 305 fps

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Classic Army – P90TR Sportline

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Manufacturer: Classic Army (Hong Kong)
Type: AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)
Date Acquired: 10/2008


Classic Army – P90TR Sportline

Spartan Imports was kind enough to send me down a Classic Army P90TR, to take a look at for review. My first AEG was a Tokyo Marui P90 originally bought for me by a friend in 2001. The TM P90 has functioned flawlessly since 2001, never having any problems and still shooting as strong today as 2001. So I’ve been interested to see how the CA P90 series performs.


Classic Army – P90TR Sportline

The CA – P90TR is in the Sportline Series and this specific one Spartan Imports sent, was their Value Package, which includes: battery, charger, shooting glasses and bb’s. These retailer from AEX for $170.00, so not a bad deal for a starter AEG package.


Tokyo Marui – P90 (Top) Classic Army – P90TR Sportline (Bottom)

Being a long time happy owner of the TM P90 it will be hard not to do some direct comparisons, so let me get some out of the way. But please keep in mind that the CA Sportline series is their budget line, so direct differences to TM in some cases are due simply to that.

CA – P90TR
TM – P90
Weight
1900 grams
2200 grams
Barrel Length
246.5 mm
247 mm
Included Mag
300 round
68 round
Battery Type
Mini 8.4
Mini 8.4

The color of plastic used on both CA P90’s is close to the black used on the TM P90 RDS. The texture is rougher then the TM plastic though. Also you can feel the body seam that runs down the entire length of the CA P90. The body also flexes slightly compared to the TM.


Tokyo Marui – P90 (Top) Classic Army – P90TR Sportline (Bottom)

As I’ve noticed/reported in the past all CA Sportline’s (M4’s, MP5’s, AK’s) I’ve test fired, make an audible "boing" sound when fired in semi auto. Seems to be something common with all Sportline internals. But their ROF is good and 310-320 fps is great for an "out of the box" P90. The 300 round high cap mag supplied by CA is a better performer then the TM P90 High Cap. 1 full wind of the CA P90 High Cap will power almost the entire magazine. Only time will tell on durability though.


Classic Army – P90TR Sportline

Of course I couldn’t just leave the CA P90TR stock. The CA P90 takes most parts made for the TM P90 so far. Added the following mods:

  • NitroVo – P90 Rail
  • KM/Head 1950 – Light Weight (245mm, 14mm+/-) Silencer
  • Mosquito Molds – Mini Launcher
  • AMP Tactical – AP Reddot
  • Knight’s – 30mm "L" mount
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Ebaybanned – Standalone Grenade Launcher Pistol Frame

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Manufacturer: Ebaybanned (China)
Type: Grenade Launcher
Date Acquired: 11/2008


Ebaybanned – Standalone Grenade Launcher Pistol Frame

Here was another "How can Ebaybanned sell things this low and include shipping" deals. $50 shipped International. It’s a mostly plastic frame system, but it makes for a nice Standalone Tactical M203. Added the following:


Ebaybanned – Standalone Grenade Launcher Pistol Frame

This came with an M16 A2 style pistol grip, but the finger nub and the trigger guard made for a very tight fit. A Magpul MIAD grip work perfectly as a replacement.

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Tokyo Marui – MP5-J w/ Sword Fish Mod

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Manufacturer: Tokyo Marui (Japan)
Type: AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)
Date Acquired: 10/2008


Tokyo Marui – MP5-J -Swordfish Mod

Parts included are:

  • Tokyo Marui – MP5J
  • Nitro.Vo – MP5 Top Rail
  • First Factory – Swordfish Front end for MP5s
  • Classic Army – MP5 R.I.S.
  • Classic Army – MP5 Full Rear Stock
  • Tango Down – BGV-QD Stubby Vertical Grip


Tokyo Marui – MP5-J -Swordfish Mod

Original MP5-J info below.


Tokyo Marui – MP5-J

Regular visitors may have noticed, I’m a late adopter of MP5 goodness. I just happened upon a hard to find Nitro/Vo MP5 Rail sleeve recently though and my MP5K Sword Devil needed a counterpart.


Tokyo Marui – MP5-J

More details to follow. I picked the MP5-J mostly due to having the burst trigger markings. Which should set this soon to be Swordfish mod apart from others. Stay tuned.


Tokyo Marui – MP5 Sword* Family

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VFC – Tokyo Marui MEU Custom Parts Set

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Manufacturer: VFC (Taiwan)
Type: GBB Conversion Kit


VFC – Tokyo Marui MEU Custom Parts Set

NOTE: Work In Progress.. Just received kit. I’ve only been able to install the metal slide so far (see below). I thought info on the lower’s trademarks may be worth posting for now though.

I have just recently purchased a Tokyo Marui – MEU and was debating whether to purchase a Guarder Springfield TM 1911 Body Kit, or modify a Hi-Capa compatible slide. Luckily I received an email from Molly at VFC about their VFC – Tokyo Marui MEU Custom Parts Set. I found them for sale on WGC’s site, for a low price of $104.00 and figured, at worse case, I "may" have to do alot of filing and fitting.


VFC – Tokyo Marui MEU Trademark Close up

This is an all aluminum kit and is relatively light weight when compared to the Guarder 1911 kits. But the VFC does include an upgrade recoil spring. The trademarks on the lower are the exact same as on a TM 1911, these are not the same trademarks as on the MEU (Marines wouldn’t have something made marked U.S. Army). The slide have nice Springfield trades, logo, front slide cuts and I hope these will accommodate the TM Novak sites.


VFC – Tokyo Marui MEU Trademark Close up

Metal Slide Install

So far I was able to transplant the MEU slide’s internals to the VFC Metal slide. You do have to do the Guarder notch cut on the nozzle assembly (see below), but everything else fit with only a little effort.


Only refer to the red part of what to cut. The MEU Nozzle assembly does does differ in looks from this

The sights need a little coaxing to install, but nothing a gunsmith plastic punch couldn’t easily remedy. The nice part of that is, the sights won’t be falling off. All other parts fit easily, The VFC metal slide on the stock MEU lower work need a little adjustment for the slide to cycle smoothly.

More updates to follow.

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Tokyo Marui – M.E.U.

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Manufacturer: Tokyo Marui (Japan)
Type: Gas Blow Back
Date Acquired: 09/2008


Tokyo Marui – M.E.U.

The Tokyo Marui M.E.U. is a replica of the Marine Corps armorers of the Precision Weapons Section (PWS) 1911 they build for the Special Operators in the Marine Corps.


Tokyo Marui – M.E.U.

As with most TM GBB’s, the M.E.U. has a high quality build and is a great performer straight out of the box. Handles Green Gas no problem. Most parts are TM 1911 compatible/interchangeable.


Tokyo Marui – M.E.U. with Gunner Coyote Grips.

I added the Coyote Brown, Simonich Gunner Grips to act as an alternative setup to my Western Arms MARSOC. This decision was based solely on how well supports TM guns are compared to WA, if I choose to upgrade anything later.


Tokyo Marui – M.E.U. Western Arms MARSOC Comparison

Chrono results (FPS)
Green Gas
.20 BB's
Avg. 329

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Marushin – Togusa Mateba M-M2007

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Manufacturer: Marushin (Japan)
Type: NBB


Marushin – Togusa Mateba M-M2007

While my last experience with Marushin GBB was pretty disappointing (Marushin 5-7), I was pleasantly surprised with the build quality and performance of their release of the Mateba. The Marushin Mateba is modeled after the Real Steel Italian made autorevolver Model 6. The creation of this specific model was inspired by the Manga, Ghost in the Shell and the use of it by a character named Togusa. This specific Mateba does not exist though but has the Model Number M207


Marushin – Togusa Mateba M-M2007

The Marushin Mateba is almost all metal in build. Frame, Cylinder, Outer Barrel, Trigger Mechanism and Cartridge Casings are all metal. The trigger is double action, so the firing mechanism is more like a NBB (Non Blow Back) pistol. Because of this, the Marushin Mateba has been handling Green Gas just fine so far. It fires the large 8mm BB’s and carries 6 shots. Each shot is loaded into an individual shell casing, then those are loaded into the cylinder.

The gun comes with 6 re loadable shell casings a 1 collectors bullet modeled after a "tracer" round which can be used as a cell phone strap or ornament.


Marushin – Togusa Mateba M-M2007 – Optional Belt Holster

The optional Belt Holster will finish out any " Suit and Tie" Section 9 setup and fits the Marushin Mateba perfectly.

Chrono results (FPS)
Green Gas
8mm , .27 BB's
Avg: 320

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HL1-A-TN – Helmet/Weapon Light

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Manufacturer: ACM
Type: Helmet/Weapon Light


HL1-A-TN – Helmet/Weapon Light

This is a clone of the Surefire HL1-A-TN Helmet Light System. Ebaybanned put these on sale for $19.95 including international shipping, to apologize to their regular customers for some shipping delays.


HL1-A-TN – Helmet/Weapon Light

The build is OK., definetly NOT Surefire quality, but passable for the price. The unit runs off 1 CD123A Lithium battery. This unit by no means compares with a Surefire P60 tactlight in lumen output. The LED’s on this unit are for personal illumination and IFF identity.

Switch operation as follows:

Upper Switch

  • Toggle Up – 3 White LED’s
  • Toggle Middle – Off
  • Toggle Down – 2 Blue LED’s

Lower Switch

  • Toggle Up – Side IFF LED
  • Toggle Down – IFF Off

Side Push button

  • Controls 3 levels of brightness on front LED’s


HL1-A-TN – Helmet/Weapon Light RIS Mount

This unit shipped with:

  • Helmet Mount
  • R.I.S. Mount
  • Cap Bill Mount

The RIS mount was a nice addition, but with the low level light output of the LED’s, I’m not sure how effective rail mounting this system is. But this unit is low profile enough to be mounted on an upper M16 rail and sights can still be used.


HL1-A-TN – Helmet/Weapon Light RIS Mount