STTI/KJW – HK MK23 NBB

{simplegrade:1}
Manufacturer: STTI/KJW
Type: Gas Non Blow Back
Street Price: $70.00
SOLD! Hope I'm now over my "I wanna check out KJW guns" syndrome.


The STTI/KJW Mk23 and USP Tactical

The STTI/KJW Mk23 NBB is a copy of the TM MK23 NBB I already own. This is yet another curiosity in the quality and performance of a KJW gun compared to the usual Japanese mfg guns I usually buy.

First impressions… The quality is very "rough" compared to the TM. The plastic slide is made of Blaze Orange plastic, painted black… And there are NO trades at all on the gun. Trigger pull is even heavier then the TM and it feels like theres grains of sand in the action.

The silencer which is not a silencer at all but an inner barrel extender. You get some added fps when attached. See below for results. But not the ultra quiet shot as you would with the TM MK23.? The barrel extension is all plastic including the threads, so over time this may be an issue.? And as we all know, higher FPS doesn't equal better accuracy.


The STTI/KJW Mk23 Silencer Attached

But at $70.00 is it that good of a deal? Considering I bought a TM MK23 by itself from Dentrinity (They had a deal where you could buy the gun w/o silencer and LAM for $58.00 + Int'l Shipping),?I would have to?say no on the STTI/KJW.

This should be the last of my "I wonder if KJW is any good" comparisons.

Chrono Results (FPS)
Green Gas, Barrel Extender Attached
.20 BB's
Min: 420..43
Max: 473.43
Avg: 436.90

CS Mini Figures!!!

Hehe.. a "REAL" 1337 CS Playah would have a set of these!


My New CS Mini Figs!!! Airsoft and Notebook playing Condition Zero shown for size comparison Razz

Got these little guys off Ebay from some guy in Hong Kong.


Teaser Pic Haha yeah I got HL2 Beta?running on my VAIO albiet slower then hell!!!

Better images of these little guys!

Western Arms – S.C.W. Para-Ordnance Doberman .45 Limited

{simplegrade:5}
Manufacturer: Western Arms (Japan)
Type: GBB
Date Acquired: 03/2004


Western Arms – S.C.W. Para-Ordnance Doberman .45 Limited

My 2nd WA!!! (Although I purchased this from WA before the first WA I received shipping direct from Japan took a while..). This is the Western Arms – S.C.W. Para-Ordnance Doberman .45 Limited, yet another WA 1911 modification.

This gun includes the following:

  • Barrel Shroud/Meat Tenderizer
  • About 1 inch longer then standard Inner Barrel
  • 30 Round Silver High Cap Magazine
  • 20mm Lower Rail
  • Slide and Shroud Compensation Cuts
  • Silver outer barrel
  • Competition Style Oversized Ambidextrous Safety
  • Competition Style Oversized Slide Stop
  • Competition Style Magwell
  • Lanyard Nub


Western Arms – S.C.W. Para-Ordnance Doberman .45 Limited

Quality of this replica is top notch. It weighs a little over 3lbs so nice and heavy Wink There's still a little magwell wobble, but not near the wobble the Para Prokiller has.

I also bought an extra mag, which it was told to me uses the standard 30 round WA high cap mag, but the spare doesn't work with this specific gun. It works fine in my Prokiller, but it keeps the slide from returning properly on the Doby.

Performance of this gun , out of the box is really good. It slide kick is hard and crisp. At this point I haven't messed with the hopup yet , so the accuracy needs to be tuned a bit. With Green Gas, fps results as follows:

Chrono Results (FPS)
Green Gas
.20 BB's
Min: 325.26
Max: 340.13
Avg: 331.21

Not planning on doing anything else on this gun, More info to be posted later as I play with it more.


Western Arms – Prokiller Para-Ordnance 14-45 Combat

{simplegrade:5}
Manufacturer: Western Arms (Japan)
Type: GBB
Date Acquired: 03/2004


Western Arms – Prokiller Para Ordnance 14-45 Combat

Well… suprisingly with the amount of airsoft I own, this is my first Western Arms gun. I must say for quality, weight, appearance and performance, it lives up to what all WA owners say. These guns are top rate replicas and top rate performers,

This specific gun is the Prokiller Para-Ordnance 14-45 Combat which includes the following:

  • Barrel Shroud/Suppressor
  • 8 inch Inner Barrel
  • 46 Round High Cap Magazine

NOTE!!! Even though this gun is called a Prokiller and it ships with the High Cap mag, it is NOT select fire. This replica is semi auto ONLY (Which I found out after purchase, but that disappointment was countered by it stock fps performance. See Below)


Western Arms – Prokiller Para Ordnance 14-45 Combat – Regular Para-Ordnance Magazine

Quality of this replica is top notch. Other then the plastic slide it looks and weighs almost the same as it's unloaded, real steel counter part. The only gripe I do have is a little magazine wobble, meaning there's a little space in the magwell.

Performance of this gun , out of the box, is really good. This is my first WA 1911 type of gun and I had forgotten 1911's were Single Action, but yet another area where WA made a great reproduction. With Green Gas, fps results as follows:

Chrono Results (FPS)
GBB
.20 BB's
Min: 382.65
Max: 410.21
Avg: 393.54

I figure the much longer inner barrel is giving the added power, but it is more then I expected. I have a new Hogue grip on order and so far that is the only upgrade I'm planning on this gun.


Maruzen – APS Type 96

{simplegrade:4}
Manufacturer: Maruzen (Japan)
Type: Bolt Action Spring
Date Acquired: 11/2003


APS Type 96 with Accessories

Update 03/2007

Even though I also own 2 Tanaka M700's (AICS and the PSS), which hands down out perform a spring sniper like this Type96, this specific spring sniper I still feel is worth holding onto. Even though it's over 3 years old, it still shoots extremely consistently. While most spring snipers make a "Boing" sound when shot, my Type 96 has a wicked sounding "Crack" when fired. This is still an excellent airsoft sniping platform, but still no match for the Tanaka M700's.

Original Review:

OK so I hate the AWPer's in CS and I don't like to be the AWPer, but I do love the Accuracy International design (Thumb Hole + Large Caliber = Sexah). The Maruzen packaging was clean and secure as the other APS2 versions. Features include:

  • Cocking Indicator
  • Cylinder Quick Release
  • Adjustable Pad & Cheek Piece (Stock)
  • Length – 1150mm / 45.2in
  • Weight – 3340g / 7.4lbs
  • Inner Barrel Length – 500mm / 19.7in
  • Mag Capacity – 30 Rounds


APS Type 96 with Accessories

This is Maruzens latest version of the APS series and I'm quite impressed with the features. The new features for the price, compared to the ASP2EX are impressive and the design and build of this rifle is excellent (I hope Tanaka gets a hint from this).

I wanted to put on my Versapod Bipod temporarily until the Maruzen bipod ships but it wouldn't sit correctly due to interference from the built on bipod adapter. So I mounted my Harris style bipod for now.


APS Type 96 Cocking Indicator

The Cocking Indicator is a nice addition. Visually or by feel you can check to see if your ready to fire.


APS Type 96 Empty Magazine Indicator

Now this is a nice addition. I may have to paint the sides red though. You really have to look at it to see it. Also of note, New Magazines that have a metal lower section. Not the all plastic ASP2 ones.


APS Type 96 Cylinder Release Latch

Another great feature. Just push down on this latch and it enables the entire cylinder to be removed. When upgraded cylinder and bolts are available this will enable a person to carry more then 1 cylinder for either different fps, or as a backup. So instead of upgrading the existing cylinder I think I'm going to wait for full cylinder upgraded to become available and carry a few.


APS Type 96 Hop Up Adjustment

Hop Up Adjustment!!! Being an owner of an APS2SV, the ability to adjust hopup was something I always wanted in an APS. Although you need and allen wrench to adjust unlike the Tanaka M700, at least the option for adjusting hopup exists now.

I was amazed to see the consistency of results. The numbers didn't deviate as much as my APS2SV.


APS Type 96 with stuff

Accessories added so far:

  • OK 500fps Cylinder Set
  • Laylax Damper Cylinder Head Pro
  • Guarder Piston Head
  • Laylax PSS96 Quick Cheekpiece Screw
  • BEC Lighted Scope
  • APS Type 96 Bipod
  • Laylax L96 Real Hider Type 1
  • KM Lightweight Silencer
  • Guarder 51" Rifle Bag
  • Tac Force Sling

Over all it's a very impressive sniper rifle if just for the design alone. Will be adding more info later as the balance of accessories and upgrades come in.

Chrono results (FPS)
.20 BB's
Min: 475.93
Max: 485.66
Avg: 482.32

KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun

{simplegrade:4}
Manufacturer: KSC (Japan)
Type: GBB

Project Update 03-22-04


KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun – Tamiya Acrylic Paint

Hooray! Metal Slide is now painted and works great!

Well I ended up stripping the Powder Coating and wet painting the slide with Tamiya Acrylic. The powder coating was just too thick to be used on a slide and barrel. But after abotu 3 coats of wet paint, it came out great and I need to take Guinness' advise on taking pics Wink . I'll post better pics later. The metal slide functions as it should. Decreased my ROF about half so may need to get an upgraded valve.

Project Update 03-15-04


KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun – Powder Coated Slide

The Powder Coating Experiment…

Luckily my parent's own a powder coating factory, so I put my bare aluminum slide on the line today after carefully masking the slide grooves.

Why Powder Coat? Outside of the fact for me it's free, powder coating is a very durable way to coat metal (So durable it's a biyatch to sand!). Very scratch and ding resistant. The process involves the powder paint and a 400degree oven, so anything that will melt needs to be stripped.

My biggest concern with the slide was that powder coating is alot thicker then regular liquid paint, so I was concerned about all the TM. The picture doesn't show it well (I'm going to use Guinness' picture taking techniques during the day sometime) but the TM came out fine. The biggest prob was due to the base metal used on the Zeke slide. I was a very pourus aluminum casting adn outgassed during hte process, which reulted in the texture effect on the slide. I dunno now, I kinda like it Razz But I'll probably strip the slide and barrel tommorow adn try some other paintng technique next.

Stay Tuned…

Project Update 03-12-04


KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun – 2 Tone ROFL Laughing

I scored a Zeke Metal Slide and Barrel for $50.00. The only problem with it was the finish was wearing off. Above are pics of my initial cleaning for the parts. I will probably be sand blasting and either powder coating (the best powder coating shop – Gemtech Wink ) or painting the slide and barrel.. Now I just gotta make up my mind what to paint it… Marpat??? Razz

————————————————————————————


KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun

I came across an ad on AirsoftPlayers.com for a KSC MK23 Heavyweight gun in need of repair for $75.00, so I just couldn't resist taking a look at it for the price and seeing how far I could get fixing it.


KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun

When I recieved the gun it looked as if it had been submerged in water or something since there was rust on all the metal parts. Luckily a little dilluted pholic acid and some Gun Bluing I have for my Real Steel guns took care of that. The gun fired, but the trigger stuck and you were lucky to get the hammer to lock and slide to return back to position. To top all that the magazine did not release or sit properly in the gun.


Comparison: Tokyo Marui MK23 NBB (top) KSC – HK MK23 Heavyweight – Project Gun (bottom)

I lucked out and purchased 2 parts that fixed the guns operations:

  • Shooters Design 150% Recoil Spring Set For KSC Socom Mk23
  • KSC MK23 Magazine

And everything works great now!!! I don't think i even needed the spring set but it really gives the gun a nice crisp return on the slide.

With the success of the base guns fixes, I've added the following:

  • Wolf Industries M97 LAM Unit (review here)
  • JUST Delta Force Silencer ( 30mm x 110mm )
  • First Factory MK23 Silencer Adapter (Converts the 16mm Clockwise adapter to a 14mm Clockwise Adapter)

So far everythigns great on the gun. It's really heavy, loud report, crisp action and to top all that it shoots well too!

KSC Assembly Guide

KSC MK23 Parts List

Tokyo Marui – HK G3 SAS

{simplegrade:5}
Manufacturer: Tokyo Marui (Japan)
Type: AEG
Date Acquired: 11/2003


Size Comparison Shot: G3/SG1, MC-51 Custom (DEN Custom Neo G3 Shorty), G3 SAS, G36c

As you can see by the above pic I have a few G3 class rifles and I really like them. I wish I had an MP5 just to take this pic, but I put my G36c in the pic since it's grip is simular to an MP5. In the real steel world I prefer the 7.62 round over a 5.56 or handgun round so that may be why I prefer G3's. But I do prefer the larger frame of the G3 class.

Summary

The G3 SAS is a combination of a G3 + MP5K. In this TM rendition, you see we have the MP5k Front End, Cocking Tube, Claw Type Barrel Attachment, Quick Detach Flash Hider, G3 End Cap with Sling Attachment and 500 round High Cap Magazine. Some updated improvements to the TM G3 series include: G3 Trademarks, an EG1000 motor (Will confirm on any gearbox updates from the older TM G3's soon) and Navy Markings on the Selector.


G3 SAS Packaging

Tokyo Marui does a wonderful job in their packaging and package design. The packaging of the G3 SAS does not disappoint and shows how their packaging has evolved.


G3 SAS Manual – HK History

As far as I can tell, there is no "REAL" counterpart to this TM G3 SAS and from a real standpoint I think it would be a hella uncontrollable gun w/o a stock. I guess it could exist, but not in TM's form. The MP5K Cocking Handle and Tube only would chamber a 9mm size bullet an not work with a 7.62 round. But TM went through alot of trouble trying to justify this as a prototype gun like the G11. This model is supposed to shoot a 7.62 HITP Flechette round. (Still doesn't solve the short pull on the cocking handle). But above pic is just one section in the TM G3SAS manual that tries to justify the G3SAS's existence. (I'm not sure why they relate the G3SAS to the OICW since the OICW uses a G36 for the rifle portion).


G3 SAS Front End

The front end is very MP5K looking. It has a 3 Claw Muzzle Adapter w/ 14mm Negative thread, Thread Protector, QD Type Flash Suppressor and MP5K Cocking Handle (Pulling the Cocking Handle will open the Shell Ejector Port to give access to the Hop Up Dial).


G3 SAS Front End – Battery Fore Grip

The Foregrip that holds the Battery will take an 8.4 600MaH and 9.6 600MaH Battery. There is a button on the front of the foregrip that lets you easily remove it to replace the battery. One downside is you have to remove the QD Flash Hider or Silencer to remove the foregrip. Also on either side of the foregrip are pre-installed screw holes to attach G36 short side rails.


G3 SAS Body

New to the G3 series by TM are HK Trademarks and Navy Trigger Group Markings!!! They Selector Switch also feels less "mushy" then past G3's and because of how short the G3SAS is it feels very solid with no barrel wobble or fore grip squeaking (G3 owners know what I'm talking about). And on the end it a G3 end cap with an MP5K type of sling swivel.


G3 SAS Cosmetic Upgrades

If you seen my other airsoft guns you can tell I hate to leave them stock, and luckily I had a bunch of extra parts I had purchased for my other G3's but never used them. So I got to make this Frankenstein of a gun a little more Frankenstein'd Wink

So far, added the following:

  • Guarder 30 MM Reddot Scope
  • TGS 30mm QD Mount Ring with Knight's Armament Markings (This gives me the use of existing iron sights as well)
  • G&G Low Profile Scope Mount
  • G36c Short Side Rails
  • TM MC-51 Slither Stock
  • TM Knight's Fore Grip Handle
  • Spec-Ops Wolf Hook Sling


G3 SAS Shoulder Stock Extended

Well even thought this is a sub machine gun, I just had to put something to shoulder this when fired. I guess it's my past training that makes it feel weird to me to aim and fire w/o a stock… If I could hold an SMG like a pistol then I would probably not put the stock on, but I either look silly holding the gun

Performance

With the addition of the EG1000 motor to the G3SAS the ROF is on par with any other recent TM gun. You and hear and see the difference between an older G3 and this one. I'm not yet sure if any other internal upgrade were made from the older G3's at this time.

I don't think I'll be upgrading anything internally on this gun because I don't want some weird battery hack. I dunno we shall see Wink

Chrono Results (FPS)
AEG
.20 BB's
Min: 272.48
Max: 288.23
Avg: 281.94


LOL… A Real Small SAW Razz


Tanaka – Model 700 Police Model

{simplegrade:4}
Manufacturer: Tanaka (Japan)
Type: Bolt Action Gas
Date Acquired: 09/2003


Tanaka M700 with Accessories

Since I read and saw the outstanding results of the Tanaka Gas Powered Mauser, I have been waiting for them to come out with a modern form of the rifle, and they just released the Tanaka Model 700 Police Rifle so I had to get one. I also own a Maruzen APS2/SV which had a gas cylinder upgrade (Which recently broke… Classic Army…. Grrr). And although I would don't want to make direct comparisons I think it's fair to say most airsofters have seen/fired/own and APS2 series. So I will make brief comparisons based on that. Also please keep in mind I have had the rifle for only 1 day so far Wink


Tanaka M700 (Front) APS2/SV w/K2 Silencer (Rear)

So let's get some comparisons outta the way here. The Tanaka M700 and APS2/SV weigh about the same. But I noticed the stock on the M700 is much wider near the trigger. Maybe I'm just used to the APS2 type of stock in that I feel it's much easier to carry and handle. The M700's bolt is like that of a real steel bolt rifle in that the bolt slides back very easily. My APS2 with or with out Gas Cylinder has spring resistance on drawing the bolt back and depending on how hard you have to pull it back may pull you off target. The M700's hop up is very easy to adjust with a large dial to the front of the bolt opening on the scope/sight mount. The butt stock is not adjustable on the M700, but the manual has a diagram of an adjustable butt stock. The APS2 has spacers on the butt stock. The build quality of the M700 seems looser then the APS2. You feel the magazine move when you cycle the bolt forward.

The M700 come with removable and adjustable iron sights. The rear sight uses the built on weaver mount, so you have a choice of either iron sights or scope.


Tanaka M700 Close up of Bolt and Forward Hop Up dial

Accessories added so far:

  • BEC 4×30 Sniper Scope with Lighted Reticle. Scope Covers and High Mount Scope Rings
  • Commander Bipod (Verspod Clone)
  • Guarder Sniper Cheek Rest
  • Blackhawk 1.25" Sling
  • Hogue 1.25" Sling Swivels
  • Props Canada 7.62mm Dummy Bullets

So how does it perform? Chrono Results below, but I must say it's great to have a sniper type rifle that will sit on target because of the ease of drawing the bolt. The gas system is great and I was able to fire about 40 rounds per 1 fill. The easily adjustable hopup is great too.

Chrono results (FPS)

134a Gas
.20 BB's
Min: 410.34
Max: 421.10
Avg: 412.21

Green Gas
.20 BB's
Min: 608.12
Max: 620.34
Avg: 615.56

In closing I feel this is a great Sniper Bolt rifle for the price. It gives great performance out of the box. I hope to see some 3rd party accessories, but judging by the Tanaka Mauser, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Another great review of the M700 by Hammermods is here.


Tokyo Marui – Colt M4A1 Carbine BOYS Version

{simplegrade:3}
Manufacturer: Tokyo Marui (Japan)
Type: EBB
Date Acquired: 12/2003


Size Comparison Shot: TM M4/R.I.S. AEG, TM Colt M4A1 Carbine BOYS Version

Just for the record!!! I bought this for my 30 year old younger bro for Xmas. He used to use my AEG's and break them so I thought i'd shame him a little by making him play with this one.

Well, I thought I'd never buy one of these, BUT it actually is a very fun airsoft gun to shoot. For $68.00 from WGC you really can't beat it for a select fire electric gun. Luckily I had a pretty large order with WGC and the added shipping cost was only a few bucks more.

A good review by Redwolf airsoft is here: http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/airsoft/ReviewDetail?reviewID=81

Hmmm there's really no comparison to my M4 in weight, size or power. Th M4 BOYS is just as advertised. For Kiddies. But we found a good use for in-office skirmishes. My Akimbo G3Mini/EBB Desert Eagle against my bro and his M4BOYS.

Pros:

  • 68 bux for a 80% sized version of the M4 carbine. Could also be taken as a Con depending on what you're expecting of the rifle.
  • Good for indoor home/office skirmishing. Doesn't dent or penetrate drywall?
  • The "Shame" factor my bro felt when taking this to a skirmish. He has now bought his own AEG?
  • Hmm if I think of any more I'll add later…

Cons:

  • Well what do you expect for 68 bux? It's not even worth listing cons as compared to a regular AEG.
  • The High Cap mag is confusing as hell to prime with bb's. Just something to get used to I guess.

I guess if you compare this to a mini electric you have some neat features, adjustable hop-up and magazine loading, but in NO WAY should anyone think this is something to go to skirmish with against real AEG's.

How To: Orange Paint Removal

Here's the DW way of Orange Paint Removal.

On my rounds of local airsoft website, I've come across claims that the "Orange" tips painted on decent airsoft guns are powder coated. These "Orange" tips ARE NOT POWDER COATED (just to make that clear). These "Orange" tips are usually 2 colors/coats of automotive wet paints. First is a white base coat and on top of that would be a dayglow orange. Keep in mind though, some cheap airsoft manufacturers (STTI, Y&P, etc,) use an orange plastic for their pistol slides that are spray painted black.

Goof Off
The best/fastest results we've had is with a product called Goof Off (You want the original Goof Off that comes in a Zippo lighter fluid style can), available at most local hardware stores. This does quick work on the "Orange" tips, but is a very strong chemical. We've seen it melt cheap plastic resins used for plastic slides. Use it sparingly, in a well ventilated area, take your time and use alot of paper towels..

Finger Nail Polish Remover
This is a more gentle, slower way of removing the Orange Paint. You'll be much less likely to melt the plastic beneath, but the orange paint removal will take longer.