For Connecticut teen Austin Haughwout, putting a gun on a drone and test firing it without knowing about legal repercussions is not enough. Now he goes for something flaming this time, and having Hobby King (which also sells airsoft guns apart from drones and RC stuff) to sponsor his latest project --- a flame throwing drone.

To prove it, he puts up a video on YouTube, where he roasts a turkey with the drone, though he burnt it to crisp:

Most of the important for the drone were from Hobby King, whilst fuel pump used for the flamethrower was from Amazon. Some parts were produced with 3D printing since they may not be commercially available. As for turkey, I don’t know if that was sponsored, probably a local meat shop unaware of what the teenager is up to this time.

Some viewers were concerned whether it was dangerous for the teen to put the contraption together and have a go at playing with the flamethrower, which is dangerous to operate if not handled properly, especially on a drone that was just put together. Haughwout said that he had some precautions in place such as having buckets of water, fire extinguishers, and hoses in case the fire spreads out to other areas, or if the experiment goes wrong.

Whilst the idea of a creating a flame throwing drone is not new and done in strict conditions, this is the first one to be created by a hobbyist. We don’t know if Haughwout is violating any law, whether federal or local, by weaponising a drone with a flamethrower. So far, no one has complained about the teen and his drone; and it was done on private property.

I would not recommend that you do this at home if you are a drone owner. There are still inherent dangers of having a DIY flame throwing drone since there are variables that it can go wrong. Just imagine a runaway drone with a tank full of fuel and about to slam into a building or house?
As for Austin Haughwout, he still needs to polish his roasting skills so he can do to turkey for Thanksgiving next year.

It may not be something that will be needed in airsoft first aid (knock on wood).  But for the airsoft player who is in active military service, it is something to welcome since it will be an important life saving device when the worst thing happens while on a mission. That device should stop the bleeding from a gunshot wound, even temporarily, but giving enough time to stabilize a wounded person and bring him to the nearest medical facility for further treatment.

Gunshot wounds are the medic’s or the emergency personnel’s worst enemy and to prevent the victim from bleeding out is always a race. Applying pressure to wound and using lots gauze to stem the bleeding usually takes time and that time should have been spent on bringing the victim to the hospital.

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has finally approved the XSTAT 30 from RevMedx which is a sponge-filled device for plugging the gunshot wound to prevent further bleeding, for use on civilians. Originally approved for use in the battlefield in 2014, it can stop bleeding in 15 seconds. With that speed, the emergency personnel can quickly work on bringing the victim for treatment and recovery at a proper medical facility.

RevMedx of Wilsonville, Oregon, develop the XSTAT for quickly sealing gunshot wounds. The procedure looks and sounds simple. The device is designed like a syringe, filled with sponges that expand upon contact with blood when injected into the wound. Each sponge can absorb a pint of blood, eventually stopping the bleeding and also provide a surface for the blood to begin clotting.

The sponges are meant to be temporary like gauze, with up to four hours before a surgery and will have to be removed thus, they have markers that can spotted on x-ray.

The approval by the FDA doesn’t mean that it’s the first device of first recourse in an medical emergency involving a gunshot victim.  It will need to be used only it definitive care at a medical facility cannot be achieved within minutes in the thorax; the pleural cavity; the mediastinum; the abdomen; the retroperitoneal space; the sacral space above the inguinal ligament; or tissues above the clavicle. Or to put it simply, it should not be used in certain parts of the chest, abdomen, pelvis or tissue above the collarbone.

With mass shootings happening in the U.S. at a more frequent rate, the XSTAT 30 would become a valuable device for first responders rushing to give emergency treatment to gunshot victims.

Here's a short update on the firearms directive proposal. there's been a lot of pressure put on MEPs by the firearms community. Of the replies which airsoft players have forwarded to me, a good number of MEPs have said they have been convinced to vote against the proposal, many others have just repeated the party line about 'preventing terrorism'. There were objections to the proposal on its first presentation to MEPs. There have been loud objections from Finland, Switzerland and Czech Republic where civilian owned firearms are part of defence policy.

Many airsoft players have raised objections to the reclassification of replicas as category C firearms, but the airsoft voice has been woefully quiet considering the number of us in Europe. MEPs, pro and anti, are in disagreement about the future of the proposal. Some say it will be rejected, some say it can't be stopped. Another possibility is that it will be amended (or return later) to be softer on firearms and still target our replicas in the same way.

Airsoft hangs on a precipice, it really could go either way so more players and airsoft businesses need to speak out. Stay tuned, soon the EAA will publish a draft letter that players can cut, paste and modify to help them make a good argument for airsoft. We would like help translating it into all European languages. I can't stress this enough; airsoft will wither and die unless more airsofters contact their representatives and defend their freedoms.

Matt Furey-King,
President
European Airsoft Association (EAA)

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To learn more about the issue and how to submit your objections on the proposed changes, click here.

We know that probably by now, many of you are busy making your holiday shopping list, or planning for the best Christmas party ever. But in the spirit of the season perhaps you may also take time to make your list of nominees for the 6th Airsoft Players Choice Awards as we are already halfway through the Nomination Period. The earlier that you submit your list, have your favourites' chances of making it to the final voting round would even get better.

If you have already your list, then you have our gratitude. If you are feeling very generous this week, why not invite your friends and mates to submit their list too? The more the merrier, and with the holiday parties coming up, why not make submitting nominees to the awards also a party too?:)

CLICK HERE TO START SUBMITTING YOUR NOMINEES!

There will be raffle prizes that will be awarded after the Awards period which means that if you nominate and vote during the awards period, you get two chances of your name entered into the raffle! How about that! We won't announce what these raffle prizes are yet as we usually unveil them during the Voting Period (04 January to 01 February 2016) and we guarantee that the raffle prizes are some of the most sought after stuff in the market.

Go now! Submit your nominees and have fun seeing your favourites go through the Awards process. Also, don't forget to visit the sponsors of the awards who have made it possible to make this more exciting, with their contributions and raffle prizes:

MAIN PRESENTER

GOLD SPONSORS

SPONSORS

Drones are really getting to be a scourge in the sky that many governments and countries around the world are looking for ways on how to prevent them from being a menace to people on the ground, or from violating their privacy. And it looks there are different approaches to doing it.

In the U.S., apart from regulations, enterprising individuals have created special ammo to shoot them down, or using radio waves to wrestle control from their owners and land them safely. It is really important that ways to disable rouge drones should take into consideration about the safety of people. There have been incidents of wayward drones falling into crowds below and injuring one or more.

As for the Japanese, they have their idea on how to take care of such drones.

Just like other countries, Japan has laws preventing unauthorized drones into restricted airspace such as airports, important facilities such as power plants, and fly to a height above 150 meters. In one incident, a drone carrying radioactive sand was made to land on the rooftop of the Prime Minister’s office.

With drones getting famous as military, reinforcement, commercial, and hobbyist tools; getting more sophisticated and easier to control, they can also be used for sowing chaos below. In this case, the Japanese police authorities are worried that they will be used for terrorist attacks.

Rather than think of sophisticated or high tech tools, which the Japanese are no strangers to, being leaders in robotics, they decided on a simple answer ---- a drone that can catch other drones.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police, according to the Asahi Shimbun, will have a drone squad that will first deploy loudspeakers to warn the operator of the drone that he/she is entering a restricted area. But if that fails, they will then deploy a drone equipped with a wide net to capture the net:

A drone catching drone, using a net will of course prevent a drone from falling to the ground, especially when there are civilians down below. It is not exactly a novel approach as this solution has been proposed in the other countries too, such as France. It is simple and not that expensive, save for the purchasing a more powerful drone to chase and catch rogue drones.

We don’t know if there will be a drone war between the government and civilians who will try to push the boundaries in the drone use.  Still, it is an interesting to see the developments in drone use, as they are seen as valuable tools in everyday life, provided that they pose dangers to civilians or misused in violating the privacy rights of people.

It looks it's going to be a drone week here on Popular Airsoft as we have stories about drones lined-up. But for today, we have to make priority of the announcement from the U.S. FAA on the registration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. If you are based in the US and  own drone, then you might need to register your drone starting on the 21st of December 2015 or face fines.

Owners will need to register to a national database and apart from the drone model, they will need to submit home addresses and email addresses as well as part of the registration. Also, they should be at least 13 years old. Upon registration, they will then receive a Certificate of Aircraft Registration and proof of ownership identification to be displayed in the drone. The ID can be used by the owner on all registered drones and will be valid for three years.

Is your drone covered by the registration rules? According to Wired.com, if your drone is over 0.55 lbs and below 55 lbs., then you are required to register. There is a fee of US$5.00 for registering your drone, but if you register yours on or before January 20, 2016, the FAA will waive the fee. Deadline for registration is on the 19th of February 2016.

The registration of drones is a result of incidents involving drones that stray or intentionally flown into restricted areas, crashing into crowds, or violating the privacy of citizens. Other countries are taking steps and for the U.S., it's the a national database of drones in use. Owners are required to have registration or serial numbers displayed on drones.

The FAA expects that with the holiday season, shoppers will purchase around 700,000 drones being one of the in-demand items this Holiday.  The announcement of the registration was made to coincide with the foreseen demand for drones during the season.

The law commission has today published its report on firearms which you can read here. There's a good chance it will be put into law, as this is the case with law commission reports generally. From our perspective the most interesting parts are that they state that the lethality threshold should be set to 1J, but that an airsoft exemption should be created (based around the VCRA 2006 specific exemption).

They recommend setting this exemption at 1.3J/2.5J in line with the 2011 ACPO testing. This is great news. Sensible conclusions, no more 'airsoft legal limit' grey areas, and they've listened to the airsoft associations. Also note that we were supported by BASC and GTA.

We've copied the relevant section below for people who are interested.

"IF THE THRESHOLD OF LETHALITY WAS SET AT 1 JOULE SHOULD THERE BE A SPECIFIC EXEMPTION FOR AIRSOFT GUNS?

2.33 As we have already pointed out, groups representing both airsoft retailers and players suggested that a 1 joule threshold would be detrimental to the trade in airsoft guns for a number of reasons. It is important for us to point out that we are aware of the fact that the use of airsoft guns is not confined to airsoft skirmishers. The analysis in this section is applicable to anyone who uses an airsoft gun in furtherance of a “permitted activity”.

2.34 First, the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers’ Association estimated that 85% of its members’ sales take place online and a requirement for airsoft guns to be sold face-to-face would undermine the viability of a significant number of retail businesses.

2.35 Secondly, the lawfulness of possessing a realistic imitation firearm (which includes airsoft guns), is dependent upon the possession of third party liability insurance. Both the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers’ Association and the United Kingdom Airsoft Players’ Union pointed out that an insurance company
would be unlikely to insure an activity that involves players shooting each other with what the law classifies as firearms.

2.36 Thirdly, the United Kingdom Airsoft Players’ Union also made the point that many airsoft guns are capable of automatic fire and have a muzzle kinetic energy of more than 1 joule. If a 1 joule threshold were to be adopted it was suggested that this would have the consequence that such airsoft guns would become prohibited weapons by virtue of section 5(1)(a) of the Firearms Act 1968.15 Possession of such a firearm without the authority of the Secretary of State carries a mandatory minimum five year prison sentence. The United Kingdom Airsoft Players’ Union said that it is highly questionable that Parliament intended for such low powered air weapons to be classified as prohibited weapons.

2.37 Finally, both the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers’ Association and the United Kingdom Airsoft Players’ Union suggested that there are no reported instances of potentially deadly injury occurring through misuse of an airsoft gun.

2.38 Consultees from outside the airsoft skirmishing community also stated that there ought to be some form of exemption for airsoft if a 1 joule threshold were to be adopted. For example, the Crown Prosecution Service said:

If the threshold of lethality was set at 1 joule, the CPS considers it appropriate for there to be a specific exemption for the airsoft trade. Such an exemption, similar to that already contained within the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, would allow the operation of the 1 joule setting for lethality for all other firearms, without having a disproportionate impact on the airsoft trade.

2.39 This view was also expressed by, amongst others, Her Majesty’s Council of Circuit Judges, the Gun Trade Association and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

Discussion

2.40 In evaluating whether there ought to be an exemption for airsoft guns, we agree that it is necessary to consider the impact imposing a 1 joule threshold might have on businesses. On the basis of information provided by representative organisations, it is clear that there could be quite a significant impact.

2.41 We therefore agree that classifying airsoft guns as firearms (because they have a muzzle kinetic energy above 1 joule) could have a number of undesirable consequences. These would appear to be disproportionate given that it is unclear whether there would be any corresponding benefit to public safety: we are not aware of any reported instances of serious injury being caused through misuse of an airsoft gun.

2.42 We do not believe, therefore, that creating an exemption for airsoft guns would be detrimental to public safety and believe this would be a proportionate approach.

Recommendation

2.43 We recommend the creation of an exempting provision in the Act exempting airsoft guns from the scope of the 1 joule kinetic energy threshold which deems a barrelled weapon to be lethal.

2.44 In making this recommendation, we believe it is important to examine how such an exemption could be crafted. Our aim is to minimise the impact upon the airsoft trade whilst also ensuring public safety is not compromised.

2.45 We believe that a suitable approach is to define in law what an airsoft gun is. Currently there is no legal definition. The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers’ Association suggested the following definition:

An airsoft imitation firearm is an imitation firearm (whether a realistic imitation firearm or not) designed for use in permitted activities and which is;

(1) Only capable of discharging a spherical plastic pellet not exceeding 8mm in diameter and,
(2) When discharging such a pellet does not impart kinetic energy, measured at the muzzle, which exceeds 2.5 joules if firing single shots with each operation of the trigger or 1.3 joules if firing successive shots whilst the trigger is held.

2.46 We believe that this definition creates an exemption for airsoft guns without compromising public safety. Public safety is ensured in three ways. First, there is research to suggest that these are safe kinetic energy thresholds within which airsoft guns can operate;17 secondly, the definition limits airsoft guns to those guns that are only capable of firing small plastic pellets; thirdly, it defines airsoft guns by reference to the “permitted activities” listed in The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (Realistic Imitation Firearms) Regulations 2007, placing a constraint on the types of activity airsoft guns can be used for.

2.47 The other public safety benefits are that this definition places a legal limit upon the maximum muzzle kinetic energy at which an airsoft gun may operate. Currently no such limit exists. It would also limit the exemption to those guns that use plastic, as opposed to metal pellets. Again, there is currently no legal
restriction on the type of ammunition an airsoft gun may fire.

2.48 Having consulted other stakeholders on the merits of this tentative definition, we are confident that it is sufficiently precise to avoid unintended consequences.

Recommendation 4

2.49 We recommend that if a deemed lethality threshold of 1 joule kinetic muzzle energy be created, a statutory exemption for airsoft guns should also be created. The exemption should be defined:

(1) by reference to safe kinetic energy thresholds for airsoft guns to operate within;
(2) so as to exempt those guns that are only capable of firing small plastic pellets; and
(3) having regard to the “permitted activities” listed in The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (Realistic Imitation Firearms) Regulations 2007."

Matt Furey-King
Chairman
UK Airsoft Players Union

The humble dog tag or the military identification tag that is issued to all soldiers in the U.S. military is finally getting an update after more than 40 years. In a news update from the Army.mil website, the U.S. Army published a new Department of the Army Pamphlet 600-8-14 Nov. 30, detailing procedures on replacing Soldiers' Social Security numbers with their Department of Defense identification numbers.

The change to the dog tags issued will not happen overnight and the new dog tags will be issued on a “per need basis” or prioritizing those who are going on deployment.

According to U.S. Army Human Resources Command Soldiers Programs Branch Chief, Michael Klemowski,"This change is not something where Soldiers need to run out and get new tags made. We are focusing first on the personnel who are going to deploy. If a Soldier is going to deploy, they are the first ones that need to have the new ID tags."

With rampant identify theft happening especially online, the change is to prevent misuse of information of the information embossed on the dog tags. At present, the dog tags show the name, Social Security Number, Blood Type, and Religion of the service person.

"I think removing the social will help," Klemowski added. "If you find a pair of lost ID tags you can pretty much do anything with that person's identity because you now have their blood type, their religion, you have their social, and you have their name. The only thing missing is their birth date and you can usually get that by Googling a person."

However, changing the dog tags, no matter how simple the tags are, is no laughing matter. The U.S. Army uses several systems that are tied to the Social Security number of service personnel and they have to be reconfigured to work with one another and with the DoD Id Number.

Eventually, they see that the steps will soon allow them to phase out the Social Security number and for the also a step in securing the privacy and identity of the soldier from being misused.

It’s just less than week before Christmas and I know that many of you are either busy drawing up lists of people to buy gifts for or already busy doing shopping online and offline this weekend before the final surge of shopping happens next week. Even with the weather being unusually warm this winter, it won’t ruin the way people would want to celebrate the season.

But if you have time this weekend and more on watching videos online than going out to the airsoft field, we have finally posted all the videos that we took during the Dutch Open 2015 International Airsoft Practical Shooting on the Popular Airsoft YouTube Channel.

Just like the entire airsoft practical shooting videos we have been posting over the years, these videos would provide a wonderful insight for those looking into going into this discipline to learn from the shooters. As I always say, watch them how they prepare, move, and shoot. They will have their own peculiarities and similarities that for them is their best way of moving through a course of fire. It’s up to you which style/s suits you and there’s no best style, as far as I am concerned, that can really make you into a fine airsoft practical shooter.

Of course, the mandatory closing and awarding ceremonies is shown below,  but if you want to start viewing all the Dutch Open 2015 videos, click here right now (screenshots below don’t have links). Enjoy the weekend with these videos!

It’s just 4 days before Christmas and whilst many of you dream of those wonderful presents waiting for you under the Christmas tree or what Santa has left stuffed in the stocking you, perhaps you might want to give your favourites in the airsoft world a wonderful gift as well. By that, we mean that you help ensure they get to become the nominees in the 6th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards.

Being in the top 5 nominees in any of the categories can bring them closer to bagging that coveted prize of being one of the winners in the biggest online event in airsoft.

Better get going now and send in your list of nominees for the awards before you go on that much deserved break later this week.

CLICK HERE TO START SUBMITTING YOUR NOMINEES!

There will be raffle prizes that will be awarded after the Awards period which means that if you nominate and vote during the awards period, you get two chances of your name entered into the raffle! How about that! We won't announce what these raffle prizes are yet as we usually unveil them during the Voting Period (04 January to 01 February 2016) and we guarantee that the raffle prizes are some of the most sought after stuff in the market.

Go now! Submit your nominees and have fun seeing your favourites go through the Awards process. Also, don't forget to visit the sponsors of the awards who have made it possible to make this more exciting, with their contributions and raffle prizes:

MAIN PRESENTER

GOLD SPONSORS

SPONSORS

Airsoft players of Europe - this is it! This is the big push, this is where you can save airsoft in Europe or let it be crushed. As you probably already know, the EC has presented a proposal to amend the firearms directive. There's some really heavy handed stuff in the proposal, but the worst for airsofters is that they want ALL REPLICAS to be classed as firearms. This is going to make most airsoft replicas prohibited, make the few remaining ones licensed, and this will kill airsoft. This is how we fight it:

TASK 1: SEND LETTERS NOW! On the link below is a pre prepared letter which you can copy and send to your MEPs. Search on-line, find your MEPs email addresses, copy and paste this letter (and modify it however you like).

TASK 2: SHARE THE HELL OUT OF THE PAGE! Make sure your friends, everyone you play with and interact with knows about this draft letter, let the shops know, the sites, the forums, everyone! Too many people are in the dark about this sudden and huge problem.

TASK 3: TRANSLATE! We've started with the English version but within a week I would like to see the post available in all of the 23 recognised languages of Europe. If the letter is not available on the page in your language, translate it and email the translation to us ASAP president@euroairsoft.org and we’ll add it to the site.

It would really help if you posted the replies you receive on this page https://www.facebook.com/groups/455851477935788/ or email them to president@euroairsoft.org so we can see how things are going and spot supporters in particular committees.

Don’t forget to insert your name, and add your MEPs name. Don’t forget to add your address to the top if you are posting a letter.

Here’s the link to the letter:

http://www.euroairsoft.org/index.php/additional-documents/operation-mep

Dear INSERT MEP NAME HERE,

As a constituent, I would like to raise my concerns regarding the recent proposal to amend the so called firearms directive. Specifically Proposal COM(2015)750/F1, on Page 17 where it is stated

(13) in Annex I to Directive 91/477/EC part II is amended as follows:

(a) point A is amended as follows:

………

(iii) In Category C, the following points are added:

“5. Alarm and signal weapons, salute and acoustic weapons as well as replicas;”

I am a hobbyist who enjoys ‘airsoft’ events in which opposing teams compete in military and law enforcement scenarios. These events require the use of relatively low powered airsoft replica firearms. These events are a commonplace, well-regulated and physically demanding team activity with many positives for the individual and society. There is also an industry surrounding the airsoft hobby which employs many people. The classification of replicas as category C firearms would destroy my beloved pastime.

If replicas became category C firearms it would mean that manufacturers, retailers and owners of these replicas would be subject to all the obligations of the directive. This disproportionate measure would mean that replicas would become restricted or illegal firearms in most countries due to local laws restricting automatic firearms and limiting magazine capacity. At best, some countries would allow some replicas to be serialised, held on a certificate and registered. Other parts of the proposal would simultaneously make internet sales illegal and ban firearms of military appearance. In essence, the vast majority of airsoft replicas would be banned and the few remaining ones would be heavily restricted or licenced to the point where it would not be worth the hassle of obtaining or owning one. The airsoft hobby would soon cease to exist and the industry would collapse (which would have been highlighted if the normal economic impact assessment had not been bypassed in the case of this proposal). Inevitably, many replicas would remain uncontrolled out of ignorance to the drastic changes, turning the owners into criminals.

The vast majority of replicas are in no way convertible to fire real ammunition. They have the appearance of a firearm on the outside but the type of replicas we use for airsoft do not have any components which would be useable in a firearm. No justification has been presented in the text of the proposal for the inclusion of replicas in the scope of the directive. Member states have not expressed any major problems relating to public order caused by the use of replicas nor have replicas been implicated in terrorist acts.

In fact, after an extensive study in 2010 (COM(2010)404) the European commission itself recommended that “replicas, with their various characteristics and purposes, should not be included in the field of application of Directive 91/477/EC (Firearms Directive), especially as those which can be converted to a firearm and therefore treated as one are now covered by Directive 2008/51/EC.”

I also believe that the category change will be impossible to implement. Most replicas do not have a serial number, and some are children’s toys. Replicas can be produced from almost any material by any person, for example by carving wood into the shape of a gun. I don’t think it would be possible to register and control such a broad category of items. The cost of serialising and registering all replicas would be enormous, as would be the compensation costs for confiscation of the many replicas which would become prohibited. By EU estimates there are hundreds of millions of replicas in Europe. The governments of Germany, Czech Republic and Austria have specifically objected to the reclassification of replicas, and I do not believe that the Police force will find the measure sensible, achievable, enforceable or a good use of resources.

I support sensible controls, such as ensuring that readily convertible replicas, alarm and signal weapons are classed as firearms. I support robust mandates to ensure standardised irreversible deactivation of firearms across the EU. What I don’t support is heavy handed curtailing of law abiding citizens pastimes under the guise of preventing terrorism.

Please seek the amendment of the proposal COM(2015)750/F1 so that replicas will not be classified as firearms by being added to Category C (Firearms subject to declaration) of directive 91/477/EEC.

Yours Sincerely,

YOUR NAME HERE

Like us on Facebook for more information as it comes in https://www.facebook.com/europeanairsoft/.

Matt Furey-King
President
European Airsoft Association

(Advisory: No news from the 24th to the 26th of December as we take our Christmas break. Publishing resumes on the 27th.) As they always say, it’s that time of the year when family and friends take precedence over our beloved sport and hobby. It’s time to put down those airsoft guns, put in the closet all the airsoft gear, and  put our thoughts to making the closest and most beloved people in our lives happy this season.

Don’t worry, there are still many days in year to enjoy airsoft, come rain or shine, or snow, or ice. But for this week we set those warm thoughts of being on the airsoft field or on a big milsim event aside and don an apron to do some cooking, help in finding gifts, or lovingly wrap the gifts.

But of course, you can still do some airsoft shopping, as we encourage you to do so and help your favourite airsoft retailer pull through the year with last minute airsoft shopping.

Also, don’t forget during a break drinking all the eggnog or warm chocolate, or sipping that proseco and take time to submit your list of nominees for the 6th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards.

Enjoy the holiday season and have a Very Merry Christmas!

What has become a tradition for the airsoft industry, we announce that the Airsoft Meetup at the IWA Outdoor Classics 2016 in Nuremberg, Germany will be taking place again. Initially a joint project of NLAirsoft and Popular Airsoft, this is now event support by the European Airsoft Media, including Airsoft.nu.

Just like in the last 4 years, the Airsoft Meetup will take place on the third day of the IWA Outdoor Classics 2016, or the 6th of March 2016. The venue will be at the Hong Kong Room inside the Nuremberg Messe.

Whilst the who’s who in airsoft will be under one room at the IWA Outdoor Classics, they will be under one room at the Airsoft Meetup. You get to meet the industry leaders and the airsoft media up close and personal.

Attending the event is free. The first thing you need to do first is to have access to the IWA Outdoor Classics 2016 which you will need to visit their website on how to attend the event. Once your attendance to the trade fair gets confirmed, you can then visit the Airsoft Meetup website where you can register for your attendance. Just remember that slots are limited with around 75 seats available for interested attendees.

At the Airsoft Meetup, you get to hear airsoft companies and organizations make their presentations in a more elaborate setting. If you are interested in making a presentation, better contact Slickaxe of NLAirsoft.com if you can get a speaking slot. It’s a first come, first serve thing to and hopefully there are still some time slots open for you.

If your company wants to have banners at the Airsoft Meetup website, they can be a sponsor/supporter of the event. Whilst the event is a free for those who want to attend, the organizers will still have to pay for the venue and use of facilities and any support will go a long way. Please do contact Slickaxe of NLAirsoft for more information.

We are excited again to be going back to Germany in March 2016 as it is usually the only period that we get to meet the important people in the industry one place. Also, it is the event when the awarding ceremonies of the 6th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards will take place.

See you at the IWA Outdoor Classics Airsoft Meetup 2016!

Now, here’s a way to combine airsoft gaming and FPS video gaming into one. With the launch of the Rail Gun FPS gaming control system on Kickstarter, and if it does indeed raise its funding goals, then you can use your airsoft gun as a game controller. Would that be fun as hell especially if the weather outside is not cooperating and you have an itchy trigger finger that you want to shoot all the bad guys with it in a video game.

The Rail Gun is developed by a team in South Korea and are now putting up the business in the USA and thus, the Kickstarter fund raising effort to ensure that it gets the funding it requires.  It is a conversion kit that allows you to convert your airsoft gun, especially an AEG, into a game controller. Perhaps it’s name gets it from the rail system of contemporary rifles, as you will need a rail system to mount kit.

With its patented FR (Fast Rotation) technology, the player can turn 180 to 360 degrees intuitively by looking left or right quickly without the need of a game controller turning on its side or pressing a button. It will track the direction of your vision by the way you are pointing your airsoft gun at the screen

The Rail Gun is the first gun controller that you equip onto an Air Soft Gun, giving you a truly realistic and immersive experience for FPS Games. With patented FR™ (Fast Rotation) Technology, you can turn 180 or 360 degrees intuitively by looking quickly left or right. No awkward motions such as turning the controller on its side or pressing a button to turn-around.

Consisting of a Main Unit, Jog Unit, Weapon Unit, Trigger Unit and USB RF Unit, the Rail Gun connects to your PC or game console (Xbox or  Playstation) wireless and thus you won’t be tethered to the game unit.  You can use a big screen TV or projector screen or even the Oculus VR headgear for a more immersive game play.

Each of the units of the Rail Gun has buttons that are configurable for certain game play actions such as weapon control, movement, and melee. If you’re a PC gamer, this is something that you can get used to, just like configuring the keyboard to how you want to play an FPS video game.

As for your airsoft gun, using an AEG that has blowback and recoil feature will make it even more immersive. AEGs are recommended than gas blowbacks as you won’t need a magazine to enable the blowback and recoil with an AEG, just the batteries.

If you like the product, then you might just to help support achieve its funding goals on Kickstarter where it has a target of US$100,000 with just three weeks to go. The product can be shipped to any place around the world and perhaps if you are interested in being a reseller, then it’s best to contact them for possibilities of having it on your shelves for airsoft players to buy.

Today, the Nomination Period of the 6th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards will finally draw to a close. If you have not submitted your list of nominees, then today’s your last chance to do so if you want your favourites in the airsoft industry and communities to be part of the top 5 finalists for each award category.

Whilst the clock ticks to the final seconds as the Nominations Period window slowly closes, please do invite the others that you know who have not nominated yet. The more nominations your favourites get, the better their chances of moving to the voting period.

Just remember, the Nomination Period ends at 2400H PST.

CLICK HERE TO START SUBMITTING YOUR NOMINEES!

There will be raffle prizes that will be awarded after the Awards period which means that if you nominate and vote during the awards period, you get two chances of your name entered into the raffle! How about that! We won't announce what these raffle prizes are yet as we usually unveil them during the Voting Period (04 January to 01 February 2016) and we guarantee that the raffle prizes are some of the most sought after stuff in the market.

Go now! Submit your nominees and have fun seeing your favourites go through the Awards process. Also, don't forget to visit the sponsors of the awards who have made it possible to make this more exciting, with their contributions and raffle prizes:

MAIN PRESENTER

GOLD SPONSORS

SPONSORS

What can we say? 2015 Has been a good year to us on Popular Airsoft, more readers, more supporters, and even more stories to tell to our loyal readers. Overall, even with the usual worries about people trying to ban our sport, we still rise to the occasion to ensure the airsoft is and will be a hobby and sport to be enjoyed by everyone all around the world.

We do hope that each and every one of you had a great year and would have an even better year in 2016.

We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts for your continued visits to our website and for our supporters and partners, we wish them health and even better business next year.

Popular Airsoft would like to end 2015, with a quote we like to share:

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”

― Neil Gaiman

It’s a new year and it’s going to a really new year also for airsoft players in California as yesterday marked a new phase in their airsoft history. The dreaded SB 199, which regulates the look of airsoft guns and other imitation firearms in the state took effect yesterday, the 1st of January 2016.

If you have been following SB199 and reading our coverage of it, you may remember on how we think airsoft guns would look like in California when SB 199 takes effect.

It was a rough interpretation but proved to be accurate as the provisions in SB 199 were clear cut:

4) A BB device that is an airsoft gun that expels a projectile, such as a BB or pellet, that is 6mm or 8mm caliber which meets the following:

(A) If the airsoft gun is configured as a handgun, in addition to the blaze orange ring on the barrel required by federal law, the airsoft gun has a trigger guard that has fluorescent coloration over the entire guard, and there is a two centimeter wide adhesive band around the circumference of the protruding pistol grip that has fluorescent coloration.

(B) If the airsoft gun is configured as a rifle or long gun, in addition to the blaze orange ring on the barrel required by federal law, the airsoft gun has a trigger guard that has fluorescent coloration over the entire guard, and there is a two centimeter wide adhesive band with fluorescent coloring around the circumference of any two of the following:

(i) The protruding pistol grip.
(ii) The buttstock.
(iii) A protruding ammunition magazine or clip.

Now, here’s a more official looking explanation of SB 199 pertaining to airsoft guns:

Do you think it looks bad? Maggiore Soap does not find it such a big deal and it’s easy to comply for airsoft players in California still stuck with airsoft guns that only have the orange muzzle tip:

While airsoft players outside of the state do not need to worry about this, they will have to keep in mind that they should comply with the color requirements when attending airsoft events in California.

We’re not going to say much here since most, if not all, of you are excited to find out who made it to the top 5 in each of the categories of the 6th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards. You can just quickly scroll down this page to check the names and URLs are. But what we are going to say is that the Voting Period of the 6th Airsoft Players Choice Awards is officially open.

From today until the 1st of February 2016, readers of Popular Airsoft from many parts of the world will be able to vote who gets to be the best in the categories.

CLICK HERE TO START VOTING FOR YOUR FAVOURITES!

As for the finalists of the 6th Airsoft Players Choice Awards, we proudly present them:

Best Airsoft Retailer for North America

Evike.com
Airsoft GI
Airsoft Atlanta
Amped Airsoft
Mir Tactical

Best Airsoft Retailer for Europe

Gunfire
SpecShop.pl
RedWolf Airsoft UK
Airsoft Entrepot
Begadi

Best Airsoft Retailer for Asia

RedWolf Airsoft
eHobby Asia
First Japan
Echigoya
WGC Shop

Best Airsoft Magazine (Print or Digital)

Airsoft International
Arms Magazine
Airsoft Insider
020 Magazine
Airsoft Action

Best English Language Airsoft News Website

Arnies Airsoft
Airsoft & Military News Blog
/r/airsoft
Thumpy Airsoft
Merlin's Airsoft News

Best Non-English Language Airsoft News Website

WMASG.pl
Saba-Navi
Hyperdouraku
Toy Soldiers
Red Army Airsoft

Best Airsoft Blog

Hyperdouraku
Femme Fatale
Airsoft & Military News Blog
WMASG
Red Army Airsoft

Best Airsoft Video (Posted Online In 2015)

Overload 5 - Op. Final Stand
Protector XII
BORDER WAR 7 - Airsoft Sniper Gameplay - Operation Skylance 2015
BLACK OPS 2015 Trailer
NIGHT RAID! | STEAL THE RPD! | OPERATION SLEDGEHAMMER #3

Best Airsoft Event (with over 500 players)

Wargame 7
Protector XII
Misja Afganistan
Border War 7 - Skylance
Combat Alert

Best Airsoft Podcast or Video Channel

MattTheMusketeer
Airsoftology
Novritsch
Desert Fox Airsoft
MachSakai

Best Tactical Gear Manufacturer

Condor Outdoor
Miwo Military
LBX Tactical
Flyye Industries
Warrior Assault system

Best Eye/Face Protection Manufacturer

ESS
Bolle
Revision Military
Oakley SI
Valken Tactical

Best Airsoft Upgrade/Parts Maker

LayLax
SHS
Lonex
MadBull Airsoft
PDI

Best Airsoft Kaboom! Manufacturer (Grenades, Pyros)

Airsoft Innovations
Airsoft Pyrotechnics/TAG Innovations
Enola Gaye
Hakkotsu
Madbull Airsoft

Best Airsoft Pistol (regardless of power source)

Tokyo Marui Glock 17 Gen 3
Elite Force 1911 Tac 19
Tokyo Marui Glock 18c GBB
ASG - CZ P-09
Cybergun FNX-45

Best Airsoft Gas Rifle

Tokyo Marui M4A1 MWS
GHK G5
KWA LM4 PTR
Tokyo Marui MP7
GHK M4 RAS

Best Airsoft Electric Airsoft Gun

Tokyo Marui HK416D
Tokyo Marui HK417 Early Variant
Krytac Trident CRB
Tokyo Marui HK416D DEVGRU Custom
Krytac Trident SPR

Best Airsoft Gun Manufacturer

Tokyo Marui
G&G Armament
Krytac
KWA
LCT Airsoft

Special Airsoft Player's Award

Novritsch (Austria)
MattTheMusketeer (UK)
Robo Murray (Canada)
Jet Desert Fox Castillo (USA)
Mach Sakai (Japan)

There will be raffle prizes that will be awarded after the Awards period which means that if you nominate and vote during the awards period, you get two chances of your name entered into the raffle! How about that! We won't announce what these raffle prizes are yet as we usually unveil them during the Voting Period (04 January to 01 February 2016) and we guarantee that the raffle prizes are some of the most sought after stuff in the market. We'll post what the raffle prizes are very soon.

Go now! Vote for your favourites and have fun seeing them go through the Awards process. Also, don't forget to visit the sponsors of the awards who have made it possible to make this more exciting, with their contributions and raffle prizes:

MAIN PRESENTER

GOLD SPONSORS

SPONSORS

It is the period that Philippine gun owners and even airsoft players should be aware of, the Election Gun Ban. With the upcoming Philippine National Elections in May 2016, the Commission On Elections (COMELEC),  has the power to impose gun bans to prevent bloodshed during elections, which Philippine elections are known for.

The COMELEC issued Comelec Resolution No. 10015 that prohibits the carrying or transportation of firearms or other deadly weapons in public areas, 120 days before the May 2016 polls and 30 days after the election day or until June 8, 2016. Only those authorised by the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) can be exempt from this gun ban and should be applied for.

Are airsoft players exempted from this gun ban given that airsoft and air guns are now excluded as firearms in Republic Act No. 10591 (RA 10591)? This is still a gray area as far many are concerned and COMELEC has not been explicit in the resolution if airsoft is covered. The advice to airsoft players is to consult COMELEC  and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the national and local levels if they are affected.

But the best action really is for airsoft players to abide with the gun ban as airsoft guns can be mistaken for real firearms.

What airsoft site owners in the Philippines do in order for airsoft players to play during the Gun Ban period is to allow their  customers to store their airsoft guns at the site. Thus, airsoft players do not need to transport airsoft guns to their game site(s) as they already have pre-positioned airsoft guns and gear.

It’s best to know this if you are in the Philippines during the period and you want to play airsoft, or fire real steel guns for that matter. The penalties in violating the gun ban are not light.

Now, this is surprising, AirSplat.com greeted its customers in the new year with an abrupt announcement that they are having a closing clearance sale. Many wondered if AirSplat.com will close its doors permanently but upon reading their Facebook announcement that was posted last Monday closely, it looks like that the company has been acquired by a manufacturer/distributor and that it will become a subsidiary instead of being an independent business.

As to what company this is, we are not sure as there was no mention in their announcement, but our initial guess is Cybergun which has a history of snapping up companies in the USA and other countries. The most recent acquisition they had that we can recall were Spartan Imports, Bioval and Inokatsu in 2010, and also have an existing distributor in the USA in the form of Palco Sports Marketing Incorporated. But until we get more information, this is just pure speculation on our part.

There is no mentioned reason why Kenneth Wu, the owner of AirSplat.com, decided to get out of the airsoft business as he is passionate about the hobby or if he is going to play a role as part of the new owners. It can be the California SB 199 or he may want to go into other ventures not necessarily related to airsoft. We wish him well with whatever he wants to do post- AirSplat. As to the fate of the AirSplat.com employees, there is no information if they will be retained or given their pink slips.

Below is the full message of AirSplat.com  as taken from their Facebook Page:

Dear Customers, Supporters, and The Airsoft Community,

First, we would like to say it's been an absolute pleasure and honor to be part of the airsoft community and industry. The AirSplat Family thanks you for the 15 great years of fun, excitement, and challenges. It's been an amazing chapter of all our lives.

It is with great pride and joy that we have been a part of such a great community and industry. And we thank all of you for the support and patronage you have given us throughout these years. It's a great sign of your trust in us and the company and we are ever grateful for it! Thank you!

We are confident under a larger and complimentary company, AirSplat will continue to thrive and perform even better. With economies of scale and the ability to service the community directly, it will become a subsidiary of a manufacturer / distributor, allowing them direct access to growing and propelling the industry forward.

Under new ownership, AirSplat will still continue to stand for integrity, customer service, and growing the industry: all pillars of the airsoft community.

As always we are here to help transition both the new ownership as well as the customers through this process. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

The AirSplat Family