Underneath a full, black face mask, your hot breath causes sweat beads to build upon your brow and drip onto your eyelashes. Your shoulders and back are tense. The gun you carry is heavy and your arm tires quickly, but your discomfort is secondary to the mission.
Right now, this is anything but a game.
While it may resemble the similar combat sport paintball, airsoft is often built around such high-concept scenarios like hostage rescues and insurgent takeovers. Instead of paintballs as ammunition, airsoft guns make use of pellets that produce a wound only as severe as a rigorously scratched mosquito bite. Shots to the eyes or mouth can be worse, but that's what the Army-grade protective gear is meant to protect against.
>>> FESTIVA TV: OPERATION AIRSOFT Get a firsthand look at the front lines of a hard-edged airsoft battleground in this exclusive online video.
The place they call The Freeze is more like a furnace on this smoldering Sunday afternoon.
Some members of Gunz 4 Hire, one of the Valley's four notable airsoft teams, is preparing to play three-on-three games at the abandoned warehouse, one of two secret battlegrounds the team tries to keep on the down low.
Not that they're elitists - they invite outsiders to play with them, but joining the team comes with special privileges, like training and mentorship.
Gunz 4 Hire member Chris Jackson, whose experience includes nine years in the military, started playing airsoft in 2003. He said that after years in the Marines and National Guard, he enjoys the tactical aspects of airsoft and sometimes teaches his teammates methods that help them work as a group.
"The stuff they learn, they're not going to go out and rob a bank. It's not possible," he said.
He focuses more on teaching them how to play as a team.
"If a retired military man is looking for something fun and enjoyable to break out of the monotony of every day things, this is something for them," he said.
At the Green Beret in McAllen, owner Marcus Silva remembers when he put his first airsoft gun on the shelf several years ago. He had found it at a convention in Nevada, where airsoft was touted as the next big hobby.
The sport took about two years to find a following in the Valley, but Silva said even the larger guns have no problems selling now, despite their $189 to $3,500 price tags.
"When I talk to paintball reps, I tell them airsoft is beating them up," he said.
Jackson said the reason might be the effects of airsoft. Among his friends, he has seen the benefits of physical activity and the team mentality.
"The more you play, the more your self-esteem lifts up. You feel better about yourself," he said.
ILLUSION OF COMBAT
Though airsoft teams get permission from landowners to carry out these fictional scenarios on their property, their hyper-realistic battles can appear frighteningly real to those who might happen to come upon them. The police have been called on them three or four times and "it gets kind of scary," said Ono Zarate, an 18-year-old member of Gunz 4 Hire.
They've developed a procedure: Drop the guns, remove the masks and approach with caution. One time, six police cars responded.
"Usually most cops are cool," said Samuel Manzewitsch, 20. "And when they realize (we're only playing), it's always like ‘That's cool, no harm no foul.'"
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Gunz 4 Hire team member Samuel Manzewitsch said airsoft has been growing slowly but surely in South Texas. Overseas, and to a lesser degree in other parts of the Unites States, the sport is a lifestyle, he said.
In Scotland, for example, the games are massive events for which teams fly in for from across the globe. Today, Gunz 4 Hire will be in Harwood, Texas, for "Operation: Desert Vanguard II," a match that will attract teams from all over.
Despite its worldwide popularity, regulation by the government varies significantly from place to place.
In Texas, airsoft guns are considered toys, not firearms. The United Kingdom, however, requires that at least half of an airsoft gun be painted in a bright color, like neon orange or yellow.
"We don't want to abuse that privilege," Manzewitsch said. "We try and keep it safe ... so we don't have a PR (public relations) issue."
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Howard County San Diego bans airsoft guns
Just when I thought this was over, it was brought to my attention that the language in the new Howard County hunting law outlaws toy “air-soft” guns in most of Howard County. I was about to save everything in the history file when I read the comment on the previous story (thanks Mr. Tinker). It’s like tuning dual carbs on a VW, just when you think it isn’t that bad, it gets even worse. Tucked away in the definitions section (well not really tucked, I was concentrating so much on the hunting provisions I overlooked it) is the definition of a gun as ”any firearm, rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol, air gun, air rifle or any similar mechanism by whatever name known which is designed to expel a projectile through a barrel by the action of any explosive, gas, compressed air, spring, or elastic”. According to this, if someone shoots a spitball through a straw with a rubber band, it's a gun. It gets worse. I copied this directly from the law and deleted the parts that were changed for clarity.
Section 8.401. Discharge of guns--Prohibited.
(a) A PERSON SHALL NOT discharge any gun within the metropolitan district, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank ammunition or projectiles of any kind.
(b) A PERSON SHALL NOT discharge any gun OUTSIDE THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank ammunition or projectiles of any kind, except at varmints on the ground.
(C) A PERSON SHALL NOT DISCHARGE A GUN FROM, ONTO, ACROSS, OR WITHIN 100 YARDS
OF A PUBLIC ROAD.
This now applies to air-soft guns that shoot plastic pellets. My niece and nephews have them, we shoot off of the back porch at their house at little plastic targets that mimic the black powder silhouette targets used in competition. They also live far away in a land where schools close for deer season. They will get to keep shooting off the porch, youngsters like them in Howard County will be breaking the law.
There are exceptions for law enforcement, target ranges, use in public performances and even inside a house with a target range but nothing about toys or air soft guns. According to how the word “similar” is interpreted, my original Battlestar Galactica colonial viper with nose mounted missile shooter could be a "gun". This is what happens when reaction turns to emotion and common sense is left in the dust in a rush to act. If I wasn’t so worried about the other parts of the original bill that were pretty ridiculous I would have picked up on this in the beginning. I hope this is a lesson for everyone on how carefully laws need to be written and scrutinized, and how the intentions of the well-meaning can have unintended consequences.
Section 8.401. Discharge of guns--Prohibited.
(a) A PERSON SHALL NOT discharge any gun within the metropolitan district, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank ammunition or projectiles of any kind.
(b) A PERSON SHALL NOT discharge any gun OUTSIDE THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank ammunition or projectiles of any kind, except at varmints on the ground.
(C) A PERSON SHALL NOT DISCHARGE A GUN FROM, ONTO, ACROSS, OR WITHIN 100 YARDS
OF A PUBLIC ROAD.
This now applies to air-soft guns that shoot plastic pellets. My niece and nephews have them, we shoot off of the back porch at their house at little plastic targets that mimic the black powder silhouette targets used in competition. They also live far away in a land where schools close for deer season. They will get to keep shooting off the porch, youngsters like them in Howard County will be breaking the law.
There are exceptions for law enforcement, target ranges, use in public performances and even inside a house with a target range but nothing about toys or air soft guns. According to how the word “similar” is interpreted, my original Battlestar Galactica colonial viper with nose mounted missile shooter could be a "gun". This is what happens when reaction turns to emotion and common sense is left in the dust in a rush to act. If I wasn’t so worried about the other parts of the original bill that were pretty ridiculous I would have picked up on this in the beginning. I hope this is a lesson for everyone on how carefully laws need to be written and scrutinized, and how the intentions of the well-meaning can have unintended consequences.
Local Airsoft Gun Businesses Thriving In Failing Economy
IDAHO FALLS - It's almost become redundant. 'This store is closing down,' or 'this shop is going out of business,' but, is the economy really that bad?
Remarkably, some local businesses are thriving during this economic crisis.
While businesses around them are shutting down, the brand new Red Robin is packed-full of hungry customers looking for airsoft guns.
Exactly what keeps Red Robin and other businesses afloat when others are sinking?
It's been three weeks since Red Robin in Idaho Falls first opened. Since then, they've thrived in this 'failing economy.'
The general manager of the Red Robin, Jared Letzelter, said, "I think people are just excited about a new concept in Idaho Falls."
Many believe it is business-suicide to open up during such hard times. But Red Robin couldn't be more successful.
"It is definitely tough economic times right now and people are deciding to come to us to eat when money is tight," said Letzelter.
The same goes for Weapons Blender, a shop that sells airsoft guns in Rexburg.
"The success is coming from basically our desire to succeed," said Alan Clawson, Weapons Blender owner.
Clawson believes his business is doing so well because they provide their customers with an outlet from the stressful economy.
"The thing that's been really nice is to see a lot of people having some fun during such economic hard times," stated Clawson.
So, what are these businesses secrets?
"When guests come in they have a great experience and they're really happy," explained Letzelter. "They love our food and they love the ambiance and atmosphere here at red robin, not to mention the airsoft guns."
Clawson attributes his success to, "customer service. I mean, we have a lot of fun with the kids that come in here."
CEO of the Better Business Bureau, Donna Oe, attributed these businesses success to a set of values.
They are build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy, and embody integrity.
"Truly if you embody that integrity and honesty in a marketplace, you will thrive and survive," expressed Oe.
Oe said it's not all bad. People often hear the stories of how companies are failing, but locally we're doing alright.
What's Oe's best advice to business owners and local folks alike? "This too will pass!"
Remarkably, some local businesses are thriving during this economic crisis.
While businesses around them are shutting down, the brand new Red Robin is packed-full of hungry customers looking for airsoft guns.
Exactly what keeps Red Robin and other businesses afloat when others are sinking?
It's been three weeks since Red Robin in Idaho Falls first opened. Since then, they've thrived in this 'failing economy.'
The general manager of the Red Robin, Jared Letzelter, said, "I think people are just excited about a new concept in Idaho Falls."
Many believe it is business-suicide to open up during such hard times. But Red Robin couldn't be more successful.
"It is definitely tough economic times right now and people are deciding to come to us to eat when money is tight," said Letzelter.
The same goes for Weapons Blender, a shop that sells airsoft guns in Rexburg.
"The success is coming from basically our desire to succeed," said Alan Clawson, Weapons Blender owner.
Clawson believes his business is doing so well because they provide their customers with an outlet from the stressful economy.
"The thing that's been really nice is to see a lot of people having some fun during such economic hard times," stated Clawson.
So, what are these businesses secrets?
"When guests come in they have a great experience and they're really happy," explained Letzelter. "They love our food and they love the ambiance and atmosphere here at red robin, not to mention the airsoft guns."
Clawson attributes his success to, "customer service. I mean, we have a lot of fun with the kids that come in here."
CEO of the Better Business Bureau, Donna Oe, attributed these businesses success to a set of values.
They are build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy, and embody integrity.
"Truly if you embody that integrity and honesty in a marketplace, you will thrive and survive," expressed Oe.
Oe said it's not all bad. People often hear the stories of how companies are failing, but locally we're doing alright.
What's Oe's best advice to business owners and local folks alike? "This too will pass!"
Monday, January 05, 2009
Man shot with Airsoft BBs in a robbery attempt
A failed robbery in a Ventura grocery store parking lot early Sunday morning ended with a victim being shot more than a dozen times with plastic airsoft BBs.
A man and woman from Oxnard, 18 and 23 years old respectively, were in the Vons parking lot at 115 W. Main St. about 1 a.m. Sunday when a man approached the woman and grabbed her arm, according to the Ventura Police Department. The woman screamed, alerting her companion, who was in a nearby car. When the companion got out of the car, the man shot him more than a dozen times with an Airsoft pistol, which fires plastic BBs. The shooter ran off, and the victim was treated at Ventura County Medical Center for moderate injuries.
The only description of the shooter was that he was a 20- to 25-year-old man wearing a hooded sweat shirt.
A man and woman from Oxnard, 18 and 23 years old respectively, were in the Vons parking lot at 115 W. Main St. about 1 a.m. Sunday when a man approached the woman and grabbed her arm, according to the Ventura Police Department. The woman screamed, alerting her companion, who was in a nearby car. When the companion got out of the car, the man shot him more than a dozen times with an Airsoft pistol, which fires plastic BBs. The shooter ran off, and the victim was treated at Ventura County Medical Center for moderate injuries.
The only description of the shooter was that he was a 20- to 25-year-old man wearing a hooded sweat shirt.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Methods of Playing Airsoft: Learning the Game
by Alexander Malroy
There are several ways of playing Airsoft. The main objective to the game is to have fun and enjoy time with your opponents. Be the last one standing with these methods below.
The MilSim, short for Military simulation is a method of Airsoft playing game that blends military live-action role-playing scenarios. Each team is assigned tasks or missions to accomplish. They are provided with ample supply of ammunition (pellets), batteries, food or rations, gears, uniforms and other safety equipment. Sometimes, equipments such as headsets and radios are being provided; other times, players have the discretion to bring their own communication equipment.
Military simulation games regularly lasts a number of days depending on how large the mission and the planning is. Both teams should remain in the playing field during the duration of the game and should only return to the neutral area only in medical emergencies and any other related circumstances. In large scale military simulations such as the likes of BERGET in Sweden, where the MilSim lasts up to a week without breaks, players may use military vehicles, trucks and vans. Sometimes an armored personnel carrier and tanks were utilized.
In large-scale military simulations such as the likes of BERGET in Sweden, where the MilSim lasts up to a week without breaks, players may use military vehicles, trucks and vans. Sometimes an armored personnel carrier and tanks were utilized. The Skirmish Operations were the most popular type of play among the Airsoft gun enthusiasts.
Skirmishing is the most common and popular method of playing, as it is easy to conduct one in any wide and ample space where hiding and moving around is possible. Skirmishing also imitates real close quarter battles with heightened excitement using familiar scenarios such as urban settings or the challenging jungle set up for a more confrontational game playing.
Skirmishing is the most common and popular type of playing, as it is easy to conduct one in any wide and open space where hiding and moving around is possible. Skirmishing also imitates real close battles with heightened excitement using familiar scenarios such as urban settings or the challenging jungle theme set up for a more confrontational game playing. The Honor System is one system that relies on the honesty of the players during the game. The ability to admit if being hit is the key factor in this game, which unlike paintballs, plastic pellets have no way to indicate if a player had been hit. There are plastic pellets in the market today with paint on it but players don’t like to use them because of how ineffective they are and the damage it may cause to the actual gun itself.
Referees play a vital role in every game. Bullets fired from a distance sometimes are not being felt by a player mainly due to the action or just being distracted or running doggedly. Referees determine and decide the matter of hit or miss. However honest declaration, if hit, is highly encouraged because no one can really see the exact happenings of the game when played on the field. Simulation knife kills can be performed depending on the type of the game. This can be pulled off if a player taps an unaware opponent during the game. This method prevents an opponent from being accidentally shot at point-blank within close range as one is being surprised by the stealth.
The main essence of the game is that the players must enjoy and should not be destructive enough to hurt others. Remember, this is a game not the real war field!
There are several ways of playing Airsoft. The main objective to the game is to have fun and enjoy time with your opponents. Be the last one standing with these methods below.
The MilSim, short for Military simulation is a method of Airsoft playing game that blends military live-action role-playing scenarios. Each team is assigned tasks or missions to accomplish. They are provided with ample supply of ammunition (pellets), batteries, food or rations, gears, uniforms and other safety equipment. Sometimes, equipments such as headsets and radios are being provided; other times, players have the discretion to bring their own communication equipment.
Military simulation games regularly lasts a number of days depending on how large the mission and the planning is. Both teams should remain in the playing field during the duration of the game and should only return to the neutral area only in medical emergencies and any other related circumstances. In large scale military simulations such as the likes of BERGET in Sweden, where the MilSim lasts up to a week without breaks, players may use military vehicles, trucks and vans. Sometimes an armored personnel carrier and tanks were utilized.
In large-scale military simulations such as the likes of BERGET in Sweden, where the MilSim lasts up to a week without breaks, players may use military vehicles, trucks and vans. Sometimes an armored personnel carrier and tanks were utilized. The Skirmish Operations were the most popular type of play among the Airsoft gun enthusiasts.
Skirmishing is the most common and popular method of playing, as it is easy to conduct one in any wide and ample space where hiding and moving around is possible. Skirmishing also imitates real close quarter battles with heightened excitement using familiar scenarios such as urban settings or the challenging jungle set up for a more confrontational game playing.
Skirmishing is the most common and popular type of playing, as it is easy to conduct one in any wide and open space where hiding and moving around is possible. Skirmishing also imitates real close battles with heightened excitement using familiar scenarios such as urban settings or the challenging jungle theme set up for a more confrontational game playing. The Honor System is one system that relies on the honesty of the players during the game. The ability to admit if being hit is the key factor in this game, which unlike paintballs, plastic pellets have no way to indicate if a player had been hit. There are plastic pellets in the market today with paint on it but players don’t like to use them because of how ineffective they are and the damage it may cause to the actual gun itself.
Referees play a vital role in every game. Bullets fired from a distance sometimes are not being felt by a player mainly due to the action or just being distracted or running doggedly. Referees determine and decide the matter of hit or miss. However honest declaration, if hit, is highly encouraged because no one can really see the exact happenings of the game when played on the field. Simulation knife kills can be performed depending on the type of the game. This can be pulled off if a player taps an unaware opponent during the game. This method prevents an opponent from being accidentally shot at point-blank within close range as one is being surprised by the stealth.
The main essence of the game is that the players must enjoy and should not be destructive enough to hurt others. Remember, this is a game not the real war field!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Parents explain airsoft gun appearance
PENNSVILLE TWP. - The parents of a 14-year-old boy whose airsoft gun sparked a police investigation Tuesday at the Penn Beach Elementary School showed up at police headquarters here Wednesday, police said.
According to Lt. Bruce Maahs, the distraught couple felt they should alert authorities, who did not have any suspects in the case.
Maahs said there will be no charges filed, and that police just wanted citizens to be aware of the dangers these realistic-looking airsoft toys possess.
"Apparently his son and friends were playing in the area and left the airsoft gun on the school grounds," Maahs said. "The father was very concerned and sorry for any inconvenience he may have caused."
The airsoft gun, a Double Eagle M-85 Airsoft, was discovered on the playground along with a removable magazine. Maahs said in the wrong hands, such a toy could produce tragic results.
According to Lt. Bruce Maahs, the distraught couple felt they should alert authorities, who did not have any suspects in the case.
Maahs said there will be no charges filed, and that police just wanted citizens to be aware of the dangers these realistic-looking airsoft toys possess.
"Apparently his son and friends were playing in the area and left the airsoft gun on the school grounds," Maahs said. "The father was very concerned and sorry for any inconvenience he may have caused."
The airsoft gun, a Double Eagle M-85 Airsoft, was discovered on the playground along with a removable magazine. Maahs said in the wrong hands, such a toy could produce tragic results.
Teen accused of brandishing Airsoft gun in traffic incident
WEST JORDAN — A traffic dispute landed three teenage boys in hot water Wednesday night after one of them showed a airsoft handgun to a woman who had changed lanes in front of them.
The incident took place around 7:30 p.m. at about 9000 South and 4000 West.
"There was a traffic dispute and a boy in the backseat decided to take out an Airsoft gun and poked his head out the window to show the woman the gun," said West Jordan Police Sgt. Drew Sanders.
The woman wrote down the license plate number and called police with a good description of the PT Cruiser and the boys that were riding in it. Sanders said an officer was in the area and quickly stopped the boys.
All of the boys were 15, including the driver of the vehicle. Sanders said the driver was cited for not having a driver's license and the boy with the airsoft weapon could face a misdemeanor charge of using a weapon in a fight or a quarrel.
The incident took place around 7:30 p.m. at about 9000 South and 4000 West.
"There was a traffic dispute and a boy in the backseat decided to take out an Airsoft gun and poked his head out the window to show the woman the gun," said West Jordan Police Sgt. Drew Sanders.
The woman wrote down the license plate number and called police with a good description of the PT Cruiser and the boys that were riding in it. Sanders said an officer was in the area and quickly stopped the boys.
All of the boys were 15, including the driver of the vehicle. Sanders said the driver was cited for not having a driver's license and the boy with the airsoft weapon could face a misdemeanor charge of using a weapon in a fight or a quarrel.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Maker of 'deadly' airsoft guns arrested in Japan
The 64-year-old president of a Tokyo-based replica airsoft gun manufacturing company was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of possessing lethal replica airsoft revolvers.
It is unusual for an airsoft gun manufacturer to be arrested for possession of his or her products.
According to the police, Yoshimoto Tanaka, president of Tanaka Works in Kita Ward, Tokyo, is suspected to have violated the Firearms and Swords Control Law by possessing 867 units of an allegedly deadly replica gun, the Casyopea model, on Oct. 7, when the MPD searched the company.
The Metropolitan Police Department suspects Tanaka manufactured and sold the products even though he was aware of their deadly nature.
An industrial group to which Tanaka Works belongs has refused to issue a safety certificate for the model due to its alleged hazardous nature.
In an experiment, the MPD found toy guns of the series can fire real bullets without any modification and are powerful enough to shoot the bullets through six four-millimeter-thick wooden boards.
"If the series is illegal, all other types of airsoft gun must be illegal," Tanaka told The Yomiuri Shimbun before being arrested.
Airsoft gun enthusiasts have been engaged in fierce debates on the Internet and elsewhere over the potential deadliness of the Casyopea since it was released in July.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry concluded four types of the model were subject to the law controlling the manufacture of firearms and other weapons.
The ministry ordered the industrial group and others to recall the products.
According to the MPD, about 2,000 of the toy guns have been put on the market, and about 500 have been recalled.
It is unusual for an airsoft gun manufacturer to be arrested for possession of his or her products.
According to the police, Yoshimoto Tanaka, president of Tanaka Works in Kita Ward, Tokyo, is suspected to have violated the Firearms and Swords Control Law by possessing 867 units of an allegedly deadly replica gun, the Casyopea model, on Oct. 7, when the MPD searched the company.
The Metropolitan Police Department suspects Tanaka manufactured and sold the products even though he was aware of their deadly nature.
An industrial group to which Tanaka Works belongs has refused to issue a safety certificate for the model due to its alleged hazardous nature.
In an experiment, the MPD found toy guns of the series can fire real bullets without any modification and are powerful enough to shoot the bullets through six four-millimeter-thick wooden boards.
"If the series is illegal, all other types of airsoft gun must be illegal," Tanaka told The Yomiuri Shimbun before being arrested.
Airsoft gun enthusiasts have been engaged in fierce debates on the Internet and elsewhere over the potential deadliness of the Casyopea since it was released in July.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry concluded four types of the model were subject to the law controlling the manufacture of firearms and other weapons.
The ministry ordered the industrial group and others to recall the products.
According to the MPD, about 2,000 of the toy guns have been put on the market, and about 500 have been recalled.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Toy gun maker held over lethal models
Tokyo police on Tuesday arrested the president of Tanaka Works, a maker of toy guns, for allegedly possessing hundreds of "air soft" guns that are considered lethal weapons.
It is the first time police have served a warrant defining an unaltered toy air gun as a lethal weapon, they said. The warrant was served to Yoshimoto Tanaka, who heads the Kita Ward-based firm.
The air guns are Tanaka Works' Cassiopeia-brand revolvers, which went on sale in July. Police have been trying to recover about 1,950 of them that were put on the market.
The air guns are capable of shooting metal bullets and are as lethal as real handguns, the police said.
Tanaka Works sold them without undergoing voluntary checks by an industry body, the Air Soft Gun Kyokai.
Tanaka, 64, is suspected of possessing 867 Cassiopeia revolvers as of Oct. 7, when investigators raided the firm's head office, the police said.
In an interview with before his arrest, Tanaka said he does not understand why his company was searched, noting its products are made of plastic.
"We sold products that were a dream to buyers," he said.
It is the first time police have served a warrant defining an unaltered toy air gun as a lethal weapon, they said. The warrant was served to Yoshimoto Tanaka, who heads the Kita Ward-based firm.
The air guns are Tanaka Works' Cassiopeia-brand revolvers, which went on sale in July. Police have been trying to recover about 1,950 of them that were put on the market.
The air guns are capable of shooting metal bullets and are as lethal as real handguns, the police said.
Tanaka Works sold them without undergoing voluntary checks by an industry body, the Air Soft Gun Kyokai.
Tanaka, 64, is suspected of possessing 867 Cassiopeia revolvers as of Oct. 7, when investigators raided the firm's head office, the police said.
In an interview with before his arrest, Tanaka said he does not understand why his company was searched, noting its products are made of plastic.
"We sold products that were a dream to buyers," he said.
Monday, December 01, 2008
ICS MP5 A4 Airsoft Rifle Sportline Quality Review
Product Summary: ICS MP5 A4 Sportline and Deepfire M120 Spring
Cost: $154.95 (AEG) and $11.95 (Spring) MSRP
Source: Airsplat
Gun Type: AEG
Average FPS: 335 (.2g bbs)
Max Effective Range: 140 ft
Pros:
Good fit and finish for a plastic body, useful rear sight assembly, excellent gearbox good long range accuracy selector switch is provides more tactile feedback than many, full metal magazines that cycled a large number of bbs.
Cons: Test model came with a bad spring and required replacement before max. FPS was achieved, the fire selector switch could have more positive click in.
Editor's opinion:
The ICS MP5 A4 Sportline was a mixed bag for us. The spring issue was a great dissapointment as this was the first ICS product we've tested. Based on our research ICS has an excellent reputation and thus, we have conlcuded that our model's malfunction was an isolated incident. Further, when the spring was replaced, the gun functioned flawlessly. We suspect that the gun may have been shipped from the factory with the spring inadvertently compressed, causing it to lose some of its tension by the time it reached our shop. Once the spring was swapped out this AEG performed well. We would give the gun slightly above average overall marks rating at a B- though it would have recieved an A grade but for the spring issue.
Final Grade: B-
Cost: $154.95 (AEG) and $11.95 (Spring) MSRP
Source: Airsplat
Gun Type: AEG
Average FPS: 335 (.2g bbs)
Max Effective Range: 140 ft
Pros:
Good fit and finish for a plastic body, useful rear sight assembly, excellent gearbox good long range accuracy selector switch is provides more tactile feedback than many, full metal magazines that cycled a large number of bbs.
Cons: Test model came with a bad spring and required replacement before max. FPS was achieved, the fire selector switch could have more positive click in.
Editor's opinion:
The ICS MP5 A4 Sportline was a mixed bag for us. The spring issue was a great dissapointment as this was the first ICS product we've tested. Based on our research ICS has an excellent reputation and thus, we have conlcuded that our model's malfunction was an isolated incident. Further, when the spring was replaced, the gun functioned flawlessly. We suspect that the gun may have been shipped from the factory with the spring inadvertently compressed, causing it to lose some of its tension by the time it reached our shop. Once the spring was swapped out this AEG performed well. We would give the gun slightly above average overall marks rating at a B- though it would have recieved an A grade but for the spring issue.
Final Grade: B-
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