Intel – Spartan Imports – Shot Show 2007

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Thanks to our friends at Spartan Imports, we not only have some new CA models to look forward to seeing, they are actually ready for production. Models were on display in the Spartan Imports booth at the Shot Show 2007.

Not only are there some suprising releases from CA, but also Marushin, AMP Tactical and Inokatsu to name a few.

Exclusively for Spartan Imports. ?Marushin will be releasing export only, green gas ready versions of their Garand, M2 Carbine, and M500.


Spartan Imports -Shot Show 2007 Booth. Getting bigger every year.

While theres a bunch of guns ready for production that Spartan showed at Shot, the next 3 releases will be M15VN, XM177 and the SCAR-L.


Classic Army – HK53.


Classic Army – M41A4(Top) and M41A3(Bottom)


Classic Army – M14 Scout


Classic Army – M14 Scout


Spartan Imports Exclusive!? Export only, green gas friendly versions of the Garand, M2, and?M500 modified?by Marushin.?


Classic Army – SCAR-L


Classic Army – SLR-105 A1 Para


Classic Army – SLR-105 U


Classic Army -?SLR-105 Compact?


Inokatsu M60's


AMP Tactical and Private Parts Product Lineup

And over in the EOTech booth…


Spartan Imports supplied EOTech all the CA base guns to display their sights. Nice crossover 😉


EOTech Booth – CA Guns


EOTech Booth – CA Guns

Retailer – Tactical Tailor – USA

Tactical Tailor (USA)
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Manufacturer and Retailer of Tactical Gear.

Over the years, you get to know a few retailers. And sometimes you come across some that really impress you from initial customer service to quality of product produced. Tactical Tailor is defiantly and diamond in the rough of tactical gear providers. Not only do they produce most of what they sell. They produce it here in the. U.S.A. Their products are innovative and their build quality is top notch.

Please make sure to put TT on your list of places to look at for tactical gear.

Retailer – MilSpec Monkey – USA


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http://www.milspecmonkey.com/
Ebay Store: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZdjmonkeyboy
USA

Sometimes you run across some gems of retailers on Ebay. While just looking around a few days ago, I came across some unique velcro backed patches.

As far as a retailer goes, their customer service is top notch. The patch quality is extremely high and products are unique. A good place for the "geardo" to stop by 😉

Update 02/2007

More MSM goodness arrived today!

and…

and…

Intel – AEX L.A. – 12.30.06

Quick trip just before New Years! Christmas cleaned the store out pretty well. So i reviewed what I could.

Laylax/Satellite – Brick Target Sets

These are cool, relatively cheap and fun. These are target diorama sets made out of foam for use as airsoft targets. # sets are currently available.

I will be writing a more in depth review of these sets as I get a chance to test them more thoroughly.

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G&P AEX SMG 9mm flat top type

This is an AEG partnership between G&P and AEX. It's a very solid gun to handle and fires around 320-330 fps. Full metal body with engraved AEX markings. The 9mm magazine kit is a permanent add-on. Also added are a 9mm style shell deflector and the following features:

  • All metal body (with AEX logos)
  • One piece outer barrel
  • Metal hopup chamber
  • Reinforced 7mm bearing gearbox
  • Metal spring guide with bearing
  • Polycarbon piston
  • G&P Metal gearset
  • 9mm conversion (compatible only with G&P 9mm mags)
  • Flat top upper receiver with removable carry handle
  • Unique individual serial numbers
  • Comes with one 90 round midcap Uzi magazine – Click here to order more!
  • INCLUDES?A FREE CUSTOM 9.6v 1400 NiMH nunchuck?BATTERYA $50 Value (no mini batteries fit)
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Tanio Koba -VP70 with Stock

The Tanio Koba VP70 is an interesting gun. Since it a Japanese GBB, I only tested it using the weaker 134a gas. But the performance wasn't bad at around 280 fps. With the shoulder stock attached this gun will shoot in either semi auto or 3 shot burst.

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Tanaka Mauser Gew 33/44

I already own 2 variants of the Tanaka M700 series, so I was always curious about the older generation Tanaka Mausers. These are also gas bolt action rifles and shoot around 440fps with green gas and .20 bb's. Like the later generation Tanaka, these are very consistent in fps for gas rifles. And just like all Tanaka's gas, bolt action rifles, the magazines are rather expensive.

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Intel – AEX L.A. – 12.23.06

I had to make 1 more quick trip before Xmas day.

Tokyo Marui – M14 SOCOM

I got to fondle and fire the Tokyo Marui M14 SOCOM today. The build is much more solid then the first releases of the TM M14. The stock is checkered in the hand grip, so it's a very positive feel in hand, and they seemed to beef up the stocks rigidity. It fires at a little less FPS then the orginal TM M14 due to the shorter barrel, but still a respectable 300-308 fps. It comes with an integrated scout style scope mount above the foregrip.

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KWA – M1911 with Metal Slide

I have 2 other KWA guns. The USP Full Size and Compact. The problem with these 2 KWA is they have both stopped performing well. I wanted to take a look at the latest KWA which in this case is a 1911 Gov't type. As with all the previous KWA's available from AEX, this 1 comes with a metal slide installed and no trademarks. It performed well at 200-320 fps, but my USP's also functioned fine when first purchased too. So I'm a little hesitant recommending this gun based on the under average durability

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Devgru – Frogman Field Headset

I already own the Toy Soldier – Swimmers Headset which is replica of the Selex TASC1 Headset. The Devgru version looks to be built better then the Toy Soldier version and has multiple radio connectors. The PTT unit of the Devgru headset is easier to operate and far more durably built the the TS version.

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Retailer – Gunner Airsoft – Hong Kong


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http://www.gunnerairsoft.com
Hong Kong

I ran across Gunner on Arnie’s Airsoft. He's the "King" of cheapo Chinese airsoft.  The Chinese Copies of the Chinese Copies. I wanted to pull in a set of Multicam Copy BDU's and Gunner was by far the best price for the set @ $48.00.  Yeah… yeah… I already own a bunch of real Crye Precision multicam products.  I wanted to see how good the copy was though and besides, this knockoff set was for my friend.Gunners website is basic, but easy enough to find and order what I was looking for.  Placed the order and paypal'd the funds, BUT didn't hear from Gunner for a couple of weeks after payment sent.  Tried getting a hold of him from his paypal email address, website email address and Arnie's username to no avail. I finally opened a paypal dispute.  Turns out Gunner tells me I should have contacted him using a different email address… Either way, funds were sent on 11/24/2006 and product finally showed up to me 12/12/2006.So, in this case I think this 1 man show has gotten a little overwhelmed due to the popularity of cheapo-airsoft. Although my order was a bit delayed in shipping. It was what was promised.  

FYI, don't buy knockoff multicam stuff, get stuff made with the real Crye Precision multicam material. night and day in the difference in quality.  

Intel – AEX L.A. – 12.14.06

My right before Xmas trip! Lots to see and report on! ?

Tokyo Marui – M14 SOCOM

For a U.S. Based retailer. AEX is starting to get Japanese released gun FAST. They used to be a few weeks behind Hong Kong retailers, but they are expecting a shipment of the M14SOCOM's into the U.S. next week. Right in time for Xmas if you live near 1 of the retail stores. A SOCOM II railed foregrip will follow soon.

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Tokyo Marui – Glock 17 GBB

The latest Tokyo Marui GBB Glock 17 does not disappoint. Shooting about 300fps and using green gas no problem. It's a solid build as with all previous TM GBB's. It does feel a bit lighter then the KSC Glock 17 series.

Trigger safety is functional and take down is easy. Was happy to see (Also with the TM 1911A1) the trademarks were "tastefully" altered.

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King Arms – FN FAL

Was curious to see King Arms first complete AEG. When I first picked it up it was much lighter then I expected at 7.3 lbs. A bit longer then a TM G3/SG1, but over 1 lbs lighter. The build seemed solid but the lightweight throws you off a bit. It takes a large battery in the butt stock with the same style of butt pad door as the full stock G3's. It fired OK, but the fps results varied alot between shots compared to other AEG's. FPS was between 265 – 291 with .20 bb's. Magazine catch was really tight, but that should work smoother as it's used more.

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Star – FNC

The build quality is very similar to the Star L85 line. Semi gloss black painted stamped metal. It reminds me of a TM Type 89 with a paratrooper style stock, but not as heavy.

I tried a TM M16 Highcap and it misfed alot. Seems to only like the included Star magazine. Battery goes in the foregrip and its a custom slim nunchuck style. Like the Type 89, the Star FNC also has a mechanical 3 shot burst. But the Star's 3 shot burst sometimes only shoots 2 bb's instead of 3 and the timing of the 3 shots isn't consistent.

It had some insanely high FPS around 370 -390 out of the box though.

 

 

Intel – AEX L.A. – 11.24.06

It may seem like I haven't been to the shop in a while… I've been there a few times since the last report, have been jsut too busy to write anything up, so I'm grouping?it all together.?

Tokyo Marui – GM 1911A1

Since the release of teh Hi-Capa series, Tokyo Marui has really given the 1911 airsoft genre a high quality, high performance and affordable 1911 style handgun. The GM 1911A1 is on par with the more expensive Westarn Arms GM 1911's and already has more add-on/upgrades available then competing GM 1911 models..

Colt has been all over U.S. Customs as of late. So anything with Colt markings have been having a difficult time getting through. When they do get to the shop, the trademarks have been defaced very badly. Fortunatley the 2nd batch AEX receieved, the trademarks were altered, but in much less dramatic way. Unfortunately AEX is out of stock again.

The TM GM1911 took green gas no problem, performed well, and shot around 300fps. While IRL this is a single stack magazine, TM managed to stagger the bb's resulting in a 26 round capacity.

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VFC – HK416

The VFC 416 is a nice replica of the HK 416. It comes with both 10" and 14.5" outer barrels as well as the railed versions famous HK style iron sights. It's all metal construction gives it a very solid feel.

The replica gas piston assembly is well done and the cosmetic bolt plate locks back when charging handle is pulled and releases using the bolt release.

Unfortunately for us in teh U.S. the markings say "VF 416" with VFC crest logo. I'm also not thrilled on the highcap magazine they ship in that you need an allen wrench to wind. But luckily it will work with any TM compatible M16 magazine.

Performance is good averaging 330 fps out of the box.

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Classic Army – M15A4 CQB Compact SEAL

The Classic Army – M15A4 Compact SEAL and M15A4 Compact are very nice M4 style CQB variants. If you ever wanted a Patriot style Armalite pistol, then these are good alternatives. It's a solid weapon with the following features:

  • Rail System
  • Flip-Up Rear Sight
  • Real ARMALITE Logo
  • Modified Wiring Switch
  • Individual Serial Number
  • Hi Cap Magazine (300 Rd)
  • Steel Detachable Front Sight
  • Easy Disassembly Metal Body
  • 7mm Bearing Metal & New Design Gear Box
  • Bearing Spring Guide and Piston Head
  • Reinforced Parts (Gear Set and Sealed Cylinder)

Performance is good averaging 320 fps out of the box.

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Classic Army – Steyr AUG A2

I wasn't too impressed by CA's AUG A1 Military, so I wanted to check out the A2. Outside or the licensed Steyr trademarks, this is very colse to the original Tokyo Marui build. This CA AUG also has quality problems in the build. Vertical foregrip doesn't move as smoothly as the TM version.

But this could be a good base if you add the Action Aug A3 rail system.

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First Factory – Swordfish Frontend MP5

This is a nice comsetic modification to your MP5. I've been a longtime fan of the MP5 Swordfish variant and happy to see AEX finally stocking them. Add the Nitro MP5 Top Rail, RIS handgrip and Folding Stock and you get this.

Powder Coating – Laser Etching

Some of you who know me personally, know 1 of the business I own is a powder coating shop (Gemtech).? Since it's a coating business, we've dealt with alot?of surface finishes and finish removals.? Following are a few?airsoft/surface finishing?related?things

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a process where a dry powdered paint is baked?onto a metal surface (Or any surface that can withstand 400? F Temps).? The advantages are it's extreme durability, flexibility, corrosion protection and an environmentally safe process?when compared to a wet coating. But with products with tight tolerances, such as firearms, the coatings are too thick, unless engineered to be powder coated.? Since it is based on a heat process, powder coating is typically NOT used in real firearms (Most firearms will exceed 400? F Temps, and the powder coat will start to soften)?.

Contrary to popular belief, most airsoft metal parts (i.e. slides, bodies, etc)?coming out of China are NOT powder coated.? This is mainly due to cost and there's no need for powder coating's?durability.? Asia does not have to deal with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), like here in the U.S., so a process like powder coating, would just result in added cost.? If you come across any paint that seems a little thicker and tougher to remove, it's probably an automotive based wet paint.?There are a few other coatings buzz words people may use, Cerakote,?Gunkote, Parkerizing and Anodizing.? These are all wet coats or metallurgical processes and not Powder Coating.

Way's to tell if an item is truly powder coated:

  1. The finish will NOT be smooth, It will have an "Orange Peel" texture.
  2. Where metal to metal parts meet, it should be devoid of any coatings.? Powder coating adds at least 2mil/inch per coat, which in layman?s terms means moving parts will stick.


USP Compact Slides and AK47 Metal Body


USP Compact Slide Hot Pink – For the Ladies… Seriously… 😉


USP Compact Slide Olive Drab

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Laser Etching/Engraving

A few years ago, we pulled in the capability of laser etching/engraving. In the following examples, the laser was used to burn off just the surface powder coat, thus creating an engraved effect. While the end results look great, the process is relatively expensive.


USP Compact with Powder Coated and Laser Etched Slide


USP Full Size with Powder Coated and Laser Etched Slide


USP Full Size with Powder Coated and Laser Etched Slide. Close up

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