Author: ORCA

Manufacturer: Magpul PTS (Hong Kong)
Type: AEG
Date Acquired: 03/2012

Magpul PTS – AKM Masada

The Magpul PTS – AKM Masada is basically a ACR Masada with a different lower receiver that accepts AK looking magazines. The AKM Masada ships with upgraded accessories including an 11.5″ Barrel and ACR Multi Folding Stock.

The AKM’s lower receiver is different then the ACR’s in that it takes proprietary 130 round, midcap, AK style magazines. The reason the magazines are proprietary is due to the AKM lower being interchangeable withe the ACR AEG. Hopefully soon, Magpul PTS will sell just the Lower Receivers, so owners of the ACR’s and AKM’s can swap out lowers to their personal preferences. If Magpul PTS designed the AK lower to work with TM Compatible AK Magazines, they would have had to redesign the entire AEG. Functionally there is no advantage running either ACR or AKM lowers. ACR’s can use M4/M16 magazines from other manufacturers though.

Magpul PTS – AKM Masada

Like the ACR, the AKM version has the quick change barrel and quick change spring system. All major body pins are captured and bolt lock is functional. Batteries are carried in the polymer foregrip and there’s multiple sling and strap attachment points.

Magpul PTS – AKM Masada

The AKM Masada shoots comparably to the ACR. We averaged 378 fps with .20 bb’s

Manufacturer: S&T (Smart Team HK)
Type: AEG

S&T – T21 Explorer

The S&T – T21 Explorer is a replica of the Israeli Military/Weapon Industries Tavor. There are many similarities between the S&T and ARES Tavor AEG’s, but our distributor Spartan Imports, is making sure to state these are made by S&T. While there are some similarities between the 2 brands, the S&T T21 parts diagram shows the differences.

Getting back to the S&T T21 specifically, it’s a Sportline version, meaning it’s a low cost AEG. Externally the plastic body is more smooth and glossy then a military rifle, but all trademarks are in tact and seam lines are acceptable. The rails and cover plates on the top of the AEG are all plastic and “wobble” slightly due to the metal screws and bolts not being tightened down completely. . Flip up BUIS (Backup Iron Sights) are also plastic, and fold away easily. The entire AEG weighs a little more then 5lbs and it comes with a 300 round high capacity magazine. “Bolt” lock functions making it easy to adjust hop-up. The fore grip cover houses the Mini type battery compartment and is easy to access. The screws work with the plastic body to make it rigid. If you feel the AEG’s body flex, in most cases you just need to tighten the screws in a specific area to remedy. Suggest you use “finger tight” pressure and loctite if needed. Will be no fun to strip threads on this AEG.

Internally this AEG does come with a quick change spring system which is easy to get to. The gearbox has a poly carbonate shell but with metal gears inside. Since the lower body is not a clamshell the entire AEG needs to be disassembled to access gearbox, hop-up, inner barrel, etc. If we figure out an easier way to access the any portion of the internal w/o complete disassembly, we’ll post our findings.

We were able to test out various magazines. All fed and sat correctly in the T21. We used the following magazines:

• S&T – 300 round (Included)
• Tokyo Marui – 68 round
• Tokyo Marui – 190 round (Shorty High Cap)
• Tokyo Marui – 300 round
• Classic Army – 300 round
• G&P – 190 round (Shorty High Cap)
• S-Arms – 160 Round
• Magpul PTS – 120 round PMAG
• Magpul PTS – 120 round EMAG

Performance out of the box was good. it shoots straight and hop-up adjustments were responsive and would lock in place.

Chronograph results at around 328 fps with .20 bb’s.

Spartan Imports Video of T21

DW Staff just returned from SHOT Show 2012! This year, we added a few new contributors to the DW staff!

• Zak (Bottlelot) Holman – Investigative Journalist / Freelance Videographer zak@onscene.tv. Avid gun shooter for 6 years
• Iron Horse – OIF veteran, airsoft retailer employee and gun enthusiast.
• New Aziel – Airsoft and gun store employee and gun enthusiast.
• Kyle – Gun store employee and Echo 1 Lover.

Join our existing crew:

• Ning – Professional photographer and Redback One Marketing Director
• Wedge – Gun store employee, airsofter and avid shooter.
• uscmCorps – Entertainment industry professional and PTS by Magpul representative.
• and ORCA

This year we had a large crew able to attend Media Day at the Range. This is the day before SHOT Show, where you can actually shoot many offerings from firearms manufacturers.

DW Crew – Media Day at the Range

Any pictures or video taken outdoors were most likely at Media Day at the Range. Indoor shots or video were taken at SHOT Show. All pictures and videos are being added and updated on airsoftmonkey.com.

http://www.airsoftmonkey.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=456:shot-show-2012&catid=73:airsoftmonkey-info