Whilst congratulations are being thrown around to the winners of the 8th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards, there is also that other part of the Awards that is about the voters themselves.  For their participation in the awards by nominating and voting for the finalists, they also get the chance to win a raffle prize from the awards sponsors.

We are envious of the winners as they get to have some awesome airsoft guns and gear. They do deserve such raffle prizes though we hope we can have more goodies to raffle off next time. We just hope more sponsors would volunteer more raffle prizes for the next awards period.

So here are the lucky raffle prize winners of the 8th Airsoft Players Choice Awards (their names with asterisks to avoid their names and email addresses harvested by web spiders used by spammers):

Javier R.
jaro*****@yahoo.es
(Spain)

Tokyo Marui SGR-12 AES

Nicolas P.
ni****l@orange.fr
(France)

Tokyo Marui AK-47 Type 3 New Generation AEG

Keith W.
kw****s@gmail.com
(UK)

Tokyo Marui USP Gas Blowback Pistol

Martin K. H.
m.k.h******@gmx.de
(Germany)

First Tactical Tactix Half-Day Backpack OD Green (From Military1st)

Angel R.
Ro*****19@yahoo.com
(USA)

Helikon Raider Backpack Shadow Grey (From Military1st)

Simon T.
Simon***@volny.cz
(Czech Republic)

SET 1 (From Gunfire)
Specna Arms SA-A03 Chaos Grey
Gunfire Patch
Specna Patch
Specna 0.25 BBs - 1000 pcs

Michal T.
mtu*****ki@gmail.com
(Poland)

SET 2 (From Gunfire)
Specna Arms SA-C04 Half-Tan
Gunfire Patch
Specna Patch
Specna 0.25 BBs - 1000 pcs

Lysakov A. A.
mon****@yandex.ru
(Russia)

Set 3 (from Gunfire)

Rush Plate Carrier
Primal Gear Waist Bag
Gunfire Patch
Specna Patch
Specna 0.25 BBs - 1000 pcs

The raffle prize winners will be contacted to get their shipping addresses and also their requirements such clothing sizes or if there is a need to downgrade the airsoft gun raffle prize to meet local laws. Raffle prizes winners are advised that they are in charge of customs duties when the raffle prizes are shipped to the, if there are any.

Congratulations to the raffle prize winners! We hope they like what they won when their goodies arrive at their doors.

Please do take time to visit the sponsors for the awards. Without them, the awards events would not happen. Our big thanks to them for all the support to them and we hope they continue supporting the awards.

MAIN PRESENTER

GOLD SPONSORS

REGULAR SPONSORS

This finally concludes the 8th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards. See you all at the 9th Edition!

Whew! Over 10 years of content that our website is getting really rickety. We will be doing maintenance of the site to do some initial clean-up of the content to make the site spritelier. This is just the first phase of our plans to improve the site which we kept on putting off.

Thus, in the following days, you may find some intermittent slowdown or the site going offline. But we’ll try to keep online for most of the time. We’ll be posting regular news still, so it does not mean that website will be dead in the water. Feature stories will be a bit slowed down as we prepare the site for new features.

Just keep on visiting the site for the latest news as there will always be. We would like to thank you for reading our content and being patient and considerate enough with our antics over the years.

So relax, keep on reading.

It looks like operators from the US Special Operations Command are looking into having a new PDW without having to reorient themselves to another weapons systems. They intend to purchase the SIG MCX Rattler PDW kits to convert existing M4A1 carbines. What this does is meet the USSOCOM's demand that for a compact weapon that can be chambered in both 5.56x45mm and .300 Blackout.

SIG Sauer already won the Modular Handgun System of the US Army in the form of the SIG P320 or the M17 (official designation).  According to The Firearm Blog, there are still contenders for the PDW requirement but for now time will tell if the MCX Rattler will hold up to the test.

Below is the announcement of the U.S. Army on this posted a FedBizOps:

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey, on behalf of PM Soldier Weapons, intends to solicit, negotiate, and award a sole source contract to Sig Sauer pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b). This contemplated sole source contract is for is for the purchase and delivery of the commercially available Sig Sauer MCX Personal Defense Weapons (PDW) Kits to satisfy the Government's requirement for Special Operation Command (SOCOM). The contemplated effort will be a Firm Fixed Priced (FFP) Purchase Order to be completed once the kits are delivered 14 days after award.

Sig Sauer was the only company identified through market research that could provide the necessary 10 each MCX Personal Defense Weapons (PDW) Parts and Kits which met the Government's requirements for a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) conversion kit for the M4A1 to create a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW).

The acquisition of production items from sources other than Sig Sauer will not meet schedule requirements. Sig Sauer was the only company identified through market research that could provide the necessary MCX PDW Parts and Kits which met the Government's requirements for a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) conversion kit for the M4A1 to create a PDW that meets the specifications identified in the sources sought notice posted to Federal Business Opportunities (FBO).

The U.S. Government anticipates award of one single purchase order as a result of this solicitation. Please note this notice DOES NOT constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP). However, any responsible source who believes to be capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency, only if received by the closing date and time of this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

The anticipated award date for this action is planned for 2QFY18.

Last week, another tragic incident took place at a school in Florida last week. 19-year old Nicolas Cruz, shot and killed 17 people at his former High School, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida using a semi-automatic weapon. On Valentine’s day, he used a Smith & Wesson M&P15 semi-automatic rifle, killing 17 students and teachers and injuring 15 more people.

A member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), he was a member of the school’s air rifle team. He was said to be having anger management problems and often talked about guns and  violence. He is said to have been subjected to disciplinary action for threatening students and eventually was expelled from school.

One neighbor took a video of him practicing target shooting with an airsoft pistol at home in October 2017 wearing a MAGA cap (Make America Great Again), the slogan used by U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential Elections, and the MAGA cap is often worn by Trump supporters. The neighbor mentioned him being seen practicing with bottles and cans with an airsoft pistol though he was not seen with a real gun in their area. Online, he is said to made slurs against muslims, blacks, Mexicans, and gays, and holding extremist views.

His online profile shows him posing with various weapons such as long knives, shotgun, and BB pistols.

School cameras recorded Cruz as the shooter at the school, with rampage lasting for 6 minutes. He then discarded his weapon and mingled with the students to make his escape. He was then stopped by a police officer in Coral Springs and eventually brought into custody without any incident.

If found guilty for committing capital murder by a jury, Cruz may face the death penalty. Florida state prosecutors will be seeking the death penalty.

Heckler & Koch factories are set to be even busier as their sales chalk up another win for their HK416 rifle.  In a recent report, the Netherlands Ministry of Defense just signed a contract last 7 February 2018 for a 7-year contract for the German firearms manufacturer to supply the HK416 A5 worth EUR14 million.

In a report on the Special Ops Magazine website, the contract is with Condor Arnhem and includes an option for an additional 3 years. The report does not mention when the supplier is expected to start delivering the rifles.

It has not been indicated which rifle length of the HK416 A5 the Dutch are adopting, as the rifle is available in 11", 14.5", 16.5", and 20" versions.

The Netherlands’ special forces units are no strangers to the HK416 rifle, as the Korps Commandotroepen or the Special Forces of the Royal Netherlands Army,  the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps’ Maritime Special Operations Forces and the Marechaussee Gendarmerie Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten have been using the earlier versions of the HK416 alongside with the Dimaco (Colt Canada) rifles.

In airsoft, there is already a gas blowback version of the HK416 A5 rifle is manufactured by Vega Force Company (VFC) for Umarex and uses the H&K RAL8000 colour scheme. An AEG version is going to be available soon and was on display at the Elite Force Booth at the SHOT Show 2018.

More information on the HK416 A5 as taken from the Heckler & Koch official website:

HK416 A5 | The next evolution in assault rifle technology

The HK416 A5 is a further development of the HK416 assault rifle in 5.56 x 45 mm NATO calibre. The most striking changes compared to its previous versions as well as to market available AR platforms include an improved and tool-less gas regulator for suppressor use, a redesigned, user-friendly lower receiver, which allows complete ambidextrous operation of the weapon and ensures optimised magazine compatibility, as well as numerous technical improvements to maximize the operator safety, reliability, ammunition compatibility and durability under real operating conditions.

Features:

• Modified and tool-less gas regulator for suppressor use
• Safety-/Fire selector lever can be set to safe when the hammer is in the cocked or uncocked position
• Over the beach (OTB) capability
• Completely ambidextrous operating controls (bolt catch-, Magazine release-, safety-/fire selector lever and charging handle)
• "Winter" trigger guard for use with gloves and cold weather clothing
• Non-stop NATO-Stanag 4694 top rail for use of various mechanical and optical sights (incl. night vision/thermal)
• Redesigned ergonomic pistol grip with storage compartment for field stripping tool
• Enlarged Bolt catch lever and protective barrier against accidental discharge
• "Slim line" Telescopic buttstock
• Optimised receiver geometry, modified assembly interfaces and improved receiver connections
• Receiver extension to stabilise and accomplish drop test criteria under real conditions
• Increased magazine compatibility in accordance with NATO-STANAG-DRAFT 4179 (M4/M16 Magazines)
• 40 mm Low velocity GLM/M320 interface

Variants | Options:

• 11“, 14.5“, 16.5“ and 20“ barrel lengths available
• Black and green brown colour scheme
• Compatible with HK 40 mm low velocity GLM/M320
• Compatible with HK steel and polymer magazines
• Distinctive features of the variants
• The 20" Variant has a long handguard with a gas regulator window
• Handguard with integrated flip up sight on 11" Variant
• Modular interface for Bayonet and foldable front sight on barrel of the 14.5", 16.5" and 20" variants

The firearm brand that is known very much known in the airsoft industry especially for replicas of its shotguns and bolt action sniper rifles files for bankruptcy. The North Carolina-based Remington Outdoor Co. announced last February 12, 2018  that it will be filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it is overburdened by debts.

Remington has been in the business for over 200 years and is one of the country’s best known firearms makers. It manufactures a wide array of firearms ranging from hunting rifles to military assault rifles.

The company announced that it has reached a deal with creditors, seeking to reduce US$700 million from a total debt of US$950 million. 

Photo: Remington 870 DM Predator (Source: Remington)

Experts say that Remington’s woes can be attributed to the “Trump Effect. Whereas, when Democrats win the White House, gun sales soar due to the campaign by the NRA and other gun groups that strict gun controls will be put into place. With a Republican President, the fears of a crackdown abate and thus, fewer gun sales take place. Thus, many see Remington’s problems can be seen as temporary. According to ABC News, other causes are said to the class action suit against the company regarding the defects found in their popular firearms such as the M700 which the company replaces the trigger for free for millions of firearms.  Another is the Sandy Hook massacre which tarnished the brand as the shooter used the Bushmaster AR-15 rifle in 2012 and it is also facing a class action suit due to its marketing of the rifle.

Normal operations will still continue, employees will get their salaries and suppliers will get paid while the restructuring process takes place. Press release below:

Remington Outdoor Company Announces Restructuring Support Agreement with Creditors for a Comprehensive Financial Restructuring and $145 million of New Capital

MADISON, N.C., Feb. 12, 2018 -- Remington Outdoor Company ("Remington" or "the Company") today announced that it has reached a Restructuring Support Agreement ("RSA") with creditors holding a majority of the FGI Operating Company, LLC ("FGI OpCo") Term Loans due in 2019 and 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due in 2020 (the "Third Lien Notes") (collectively, the "Consenting Creditors"). The RSA provides for the reduction of approximately $700 million of Remington's consolidated outstanding indebtedness and the contribution of $145 million of new capital into Remington's operating subsidiaries, markedly strengthening the Company's consolidated liquidity, balance sheet, and long-term competitiveness.

The RSA, subject to certain conditions, represents the commitment of the Company and Consenting Creditors to support a comprehensive restructuring of Remington's existing funded indebtedness. The balance sheet restructuring will be effectuated through a pre-packaged joint plan of reorganization to be filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in connection with the Company's filing of voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Remington's business operations will continue to operate in the normal course and will not be disrupted by the restructuring process. Payments to trade partners, employee wages and other benefits, support for customers, and an ongoing high level of service to consumers will continue without interruption.

Executive Chairman of Remington, Jim Geisler, commented, "Since its founding over 200 years ago, Remington has been a uniquely American company and brand. Our longevity is owed to generations of loyal customers and hard-working employees who met challenges and delivered results. Difficult industry conditions make today's agreement prudent. I am confident this regrouping ensures that Remington will continue as both a strong company and an indelible part of our national heritage."

Anthony Acitelli, Remington's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Importantly, the fundamentals of our core business remain strong.  We have an outstanding collection of brands and products, the unqualified support of a vibrant community across the industry, and a deep and powerful culture. We will emerge from this process with a deleveraged balance sheet and ample liquidity, positioning Remington to compete more aggressively and to seize future growth opportunities. We look forward to serving our customers, our partners throughout the industry, and our many fine employees, now and long into the future."

Key elements of the RSA and balance sheet restructuring are outlined below:

• All existing unsecured and priority claims of Remington Outdoor Company and each of its subsidiaries (other than funded debt claims) will be unimpaired, including trade payables.
• With the consent of a majority of the holders of the Term Loans (the "Term Loan Lenders") and the Third Lien Notes (the "Third Lien Noteholders"), Remington Outdoor Company will provide a $45 million delayed draw first-out first lien term loan (the "First-Out Term Loan") to FGI OpCo. This facility will roll into a debtor-in-possession term loan upon the Chapter 11 filing (the "ROC DIP Term Loan").
• The Consenting Creditors will provide a $100 million debtor-in-possession term loan (the "DIP Term Loan") to fund the Company's Chapter 11 Cases. Upon exiting bankruptcy, the DIP Term Loan will be converted into an Exit Term Loan.
• The Company will arrange a new asset-based loan (ABL) facility at emergence, the proceeds of which will refinance the existing ABL facility in full.
• The Term Loan Lenders will equitize their claims and receive 82.5% of the equity in Reorganized Remington. These lenders will also receive their Pro Rata share of $2.67 million in cash at emergence.
• The Third Lien Noteholders will receive (i) 17.5% of the equity in Reorganized Remington through the equitization of the ROC DIP Term Loan, and (ii) 4-year warrants for 15% of the equity in Reorganized Remington at a strike price to be derived at emergence based on a $700 million enterprise value. The Third Lien Noteholders will also receive their pro rata share of the remaining cash at Remington Outdoor Company.

The RSA may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events, including the failure to meet specified milestones relating to the filing, confirmation, and consummation of the restructuring. There can be no assurances that the restructuring will be consummated upon the terms described above.

Remington's legal counsel is Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP, its investment banker is Lazard, and its financial advisor is Alvarez & Marsal Capital Partners. The Term Loan Lenders' legal counsel is O'Melveny & Myers LLP, and their investment banker is Ducera Partners LLC. The Third Lien Noteholders' counsel is Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and their investment banker is Perella Weinberg Partners L.P.

BirnyX, one our favourite airsoft Channels on YouTube just went into a topic that we thought has been beaten to death so many times and people have moved on. If you are not familiar with BirnyX and what makes them such a channel to follow, just look for their “Airsoft vs Reality” series which is one of the all time greats in terms of airsoft filming.

As to the theme that BirnyX touched, it is the “Airsoft vs Paintball” theme. Basically, this topic has been wringed dry and paintball companies are now into the airsoft business. But for BirnyX, they decided to put a story, of a dystopian future where there are no firearms and airsoft is the closes thing that people can hold a fiream. But then there, is paintball as the Johny Deadline Picture Production, the outfit behind BirnyX put it:

People are happy now in 2027. They are safe. There are no weapons at all.  But since all weapons have been eliminated, everybody can use airsoft guns. There are lot of conflicts and skirmishes around the streets. 

Everybody must have safety goggles on, because of possible airsoft attack. Even small children must wear eye protection.  After weapon apocalypse there are lot of things, which disappeared with the weapons. The lack of tobacco has caused the gang wars. The fuel is rare too. But there are other sources of energy fortunately.

Cheating is the main crime in this airsoft world. Special police supervisors take care about the fair play rules. If somebody cheats, he can go to the court and to the prison as well.  Each district and each street has own respawn time. Some of them are 12 hours, 24 hours, in the luxury areas you can find week respawn too. You must be always ready  to go to respawn.

Four episodes have been already posted, and we can’t wait for the others to follow so we’re posting the first four. We’ll post news about the following episodes when they get online. So for the final weekend before the second month of the year ends, here are they are for your viewing pleasure:

What started as a friendly Facebook barter amongst airsofters who often get together during the IWA Outdoor Classics just got a bit more serious.  The first real “Mealsim” event will take place in two weeks’ time as airsofters at the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 will troop to the Burgerista burger joint in the Nuremberg City Centre for some “man on meat action” as Thomas Mikkelsen of Action Sports Game (ASG) puts it.

Mikkelsen challenged those going to the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 if they can take the Burger challenge at Burgerista. One thing led to another, so I suggested that Mikkelsen take lead in a “Mealsim” event. He started making the promotional materials, and from small group, the “Mealsimers” have grown into a bigger number that we might easily fill up Burgerista come “Mealsim” day.

A video commercial has been made too:

So here is the deal:

If you’re going to the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 and want to find the most number of airsofters munching in place, then better get to the “Mealsim” event. Join the Facebook Group to get details. There were no reservations made at the Burgerista, so we’ll just wing it and grab all the tables and seats and for the meatfest.

It will be on the Saturday, the 10th of March 2018  from the 2000 to 2230H. Afterwards, some are planning to continue the merriment at Finngegan’s down the street not far from Burgerista and drink till kingdom come.

This might become the second tradition for the airsoft community at the IWA Outdoor Classics. The first one is the Airsoft Meetup which will be on its 7th year. If you attend the “Mealsim” event, we expect you to be at the Airsoft Meetup as well so better reserve your slots now.

We’ll see you dine with us in Nuremberg next month.

All set to go to the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018? Excited to see what the airsoft industry has to offer for the year? If you are, you might be forgetting one of the best things to do at the IWA Outdoor Classics, that is, attend the Airsoft Meetup.

According to Slickaxe of NLAirsoft, the schedule of speakers is nearly finalized and we get to listen to regulars such as RedWolf Airsoft, Airsoft Innovations, and Gunfire. Coming back to give a talk again are Valken Airsoft and DM Diffusion which will talk more about Classic Army.

Appearing for the first time is G&G Armament we sure hope that they become regulars at the Airsoft Meetup which will be going on its 7th year come  IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 in less than two weeks’ time.

There will be some changes to the schedules as the days go by, so better check the Airsoft Meetup as often as you can. There is one thing that you should look forward to as Airsoft Innovations will do a world first demo of another innovative airsoft product, and if you are going, you better bring eye protection to watch it.

If you have not booked your tickets yet, better do so now so you can guarantee yourself a seat during the Airsoft Meetup. Don’t worry, the tickets are free, they are just issued so you can get yourself a seat whilst listening to our distinguished speakers.

Please do remember the details:

Airsoft Meetup
IWA Outdoor Classics 2018
1400 – 1700H
11 March 2018
Hong Kong Room
Nuremberg Messe

We highly encourage you to invite other IWA Outdoor 2018 attendees to drop by the Airsoft Meetup. Thanks!

Another important scheduled maintenance is set to take be done today, the 27th of February until tomorrow, the 28th of February. This should have been scheduled last weekend, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, it has been moved. So some patience on your part is required again.

The good thing is news will still be posted whilst repairs are ongoing. There will be some hiccups at the site whilst you are reading news, but for most of the time, you will not notice anything. If you do indeed notice, you will see an offline notice.

As always, we thank you for your patience and hopefully by Thursday, normal operations will resume again.

Before you go about saying that the sling is designed to do the same, it is primarily more of a load bearing device to help you carry a weapon over long distances. However, carrying a rifle especially when holding it to eye level and pointing at targets over longer durations, you can experience issues of muscle fatigue and cramping.

That is where foregrips come in and oh boy, the market looks saturated by many offerings of vertical and angled forergips all designed to help you aim your rifle better and faster while helping reduce the fatigue building up in your arms when shooting during the day, either with real steel ammo or plastic airsoft BBs.

Now, here comes a product that is claimed to do better than most grips in the market. But when you look at it, it’s like holding a potated mounted on the side of your rifle’s handguard --- the Ryker USA FIST Grip.

Patent-pending the Ryker FIST Grip was designed by Ron Holmes, formerly of the U.S. Marines Force Reconnaissance and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and it claims to provide the following the benefits:

• Increased Speed
• Improved Accuracy
• Enhanced Stability
• Rapid Target Acquisition
• Superior Recoil Management
• Dominant Eye Alignment
• Ergonomic Optimization
• Efficiency of Movement

The design of the FIST Grip by Ron Holmes also takes into the consideration the inputs from Special Operations Professionals, Special Operations Physicians, Law Enforcement Professionals, and Professional Competitive Shooters. This means, that a lot of thought and empirical research has been put into its development.

For those who have put the FIST Grip through its paces, they have been pleasantly surprised that faster times they get when using it with percentages in shooting improvement going into double digits. Even smaller increases in faster shooting and accuracy will spell a difference between life and death in many situations. Read this review from The Truth About Guns for you to start making your own assessment of this device.

It may not give you the best shooting form as compared to the vertical and angle foregrips, but if you are looking for speed, accuracy, and endurance carrying a rifle, then you might consider the Ryker FIST Grip.

Made of Polymer, you can order one right now at the Ryker USA website for US$74.99.

The U.S. Military are using weapons that trace their origins during the Cold War and are looking into developing new weapons designed to replace them, such as the M4 and M249 support weapon with a single Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR) that that can do both tasks.

According to Task and Purpose and posted at various defense and policy-oriented websites, that the NGSAR will have especially designed shells that have much pressure like a tank that when fired can easily tear through the most advanced body armor.

As written here on Popular Airsoft, the U.S. Army are concerned that the new body armors that are being deployed  by potential enemies such as the Russians and Chinese have been designed to defeat the 5.56mm NATO ammo that is used by the M249 and M4 weapons. For the interim period, they are looking into acquiring weapons that use the 7.62mm, but it looks like this did not get enough traction that they instead intend to push ahead with the NGSAR.

The schedule has been set earlier than intended, as Force Development Division Chief at Army HQ Col. Geoffrey A. Norman told Task & Purpose, that the plan to replace the M249, numbered at around 80,000 units is seen in 2022 instead of 2025. The first version NGSAR rifles will be chambered with a round that is between 6.5mm to 6.8mm.

Other features of the NGSAR are it being lightweight and more importantly, shoot at longer ranges. This has been a concern with those who have been deployed in Afghanistan and the Middle East that their existing rifles do not have enough range to take Taliban and ISIS fighters.

Another interesting feature of the NGSAR is its fire control system that is developed independently of the receiver and chamber. This system will ensure that when the rifle is fired, the probability of a hit is higher than existing weapon systems. The rifle will only fire when the muzzle is lined up against the target and there is already a technology that has been available for some time now that does this and it is called “TrackingPoint.”

2022 may indeed look ambitious. But with potential near-peer enemies such as Russia trying to put back a much hotter “Cold War” and China that is more ambitious and developing its capabilities faster to match the U.S., the NGAR’s development becomes even more urgent. The U.S. Military’s advantage is always being several generations ahead in its weapons technologies, and with these potential enemies working hard to negate that, it even needs to work even harder to stay ahead.

If you are looking into going into the airsoft business and you want to differentiate yours from the other airsoft shops, then you might want to look into this business model that KRISS USA have put together. Whilst it is not an airsoft business, it is the importation of specialty, vintage, curios and relic firearms. The company announced that the launch of Edelweiss Arms last 1st of March 2018.

Yeah, yeah. You might want to burst singing “Edelweiss” from the “Sound of Music” upon hearing the name of the new venture, which is the latest from the KRISS USA after the launch of KRYTAC for the airsoft market earlier in this decade.

With the U.S. having the biggest civilian arms market in the world, there are many who collect rare firearms from all over the world. Edelweiss Arms aims to tap this demand by focusing on Swiss firearms, being the KRISS is also based in Switzerland. Being in Europe also means that it can also tap into a network of suppliers via partnerships to also bring other vintage and C&R firearms from other parts of the continent, which has a rich history of firearms development for hundreds of years.

Edelweiss Arms will ensure that the items they bring to the discerning American firearms collectors are of high quality. Initially, they venture will offer the SIG P210 pistol, Lugers, P49, and the W+F BERN vintage rifle series.

You might want to follow this business model, like specializing in Classic airsoft guns released in the first twenty years of airsoft, as well as airsoft guns based on period guns. What you need to ensure is that these should be high quality pieces that should be working in order to command prices. The question now, is there a market of airsoft players collecting such vintage airsoft guns? There might be if you look hard.

Press release from KRISS USA below:

KRISS USA Launches New Division Edelweiss Arms

March 1, 2018 – Chesapeake, Virginia, USA – Today KRISS USA, manufacturers and developers of the KRISS® Vector family of firearms, launch Edelweiss Arms, a new division focused on the import and sale of C&R (curios and relics) and antique firearms, with a specialty on Swiss firearms, to collectors in the United States .

Edelweiss Arms is a direct to consumer e-commerce business that leverages strategic partnerships in Switzerland, and throughout Europe, to source only the highest grade and historically significant collector’s firearms.

“This is an exciting new venture for our business, and we’re looking forward to providing some value to the collector’s market in the United States,” states KRISS USA Marketing Manager, Tim Seargeant.

“Edelweiss Arms is positioned to provide the discerning collector in the United States unprecedented access to some of the most pristine condition antique and C&R firearms from Europe. Additionally, our Edelweiss Arms website is designed to streamline the decision making and ordering process, to reduce the guess work that is traditionally associated with shopping for collector’s pieces.”

Edelweiss Arms’ initial offerings include a wide variety of Schmidt-Rubin rifles. In addition to long arms, Edelweiss Arms also boasts a selection of Lugers in different variations from Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern) and Deutsche Waffen Munitions Fabriken (DWM).

Other handguns include several SIG P210 semi-automatic pistols as well as the P49, the Swiss military version of the P210. Edelweiss Arms also specializes in antique firearms, as defined by 27 CFR 478.11, which can be transferred in the United States without a Federal Firearms License (FFL).

For more information about Edelweiss Arms, or to view the current inventory, visit:www.edelweissarms.com.

Just a few days left before the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 in Germany starts. Slickaxe of NLAirsoft.com has been busy as hell finalizing the details for the Airsoft Meetup 2018 that will take place on Sunday, the 11th of March 2018 to ensure that it is pulled off without any hitches. Thank god, he has finally completed the list of speakers.

Some are already mainstays at the Airsoft Meetup such as RedWolf Airsoft, Gunfire, and Airsoft Innovations. Valken Tactical and Classic Army’s distributor in Europe, DM Diffusion are coming back to give their talk. For the first time G&G Armament will be speaking at the Airsoft Meetup with Charlie Suarez, G&G’s Marketing Manager,  talking about the G&G CQB World Cup Competition 2019.

For the first time too at the Airsoft Meetup will be a panel discussion on the trends and hot topics in Airsoft. Kelly Louise Hardwick (Femme Fatale Airsoft), Bill Pryce-Thomas (Airsoft Action), Michael Belousov (Border War), and Jonathan Higgs (Airsoftology) will be in this panel and if you have questions to throw at them, better be at the Airsoft Meetup.

To top off the Airsoft Meetup will be the awarding ceremonies of the 8th Players’ Choice Awards and Owen "Master Chief " Lagman will once again take charge of handing off the awards to the winners.

If you have not booked your slot for the Airsoft Meetup, better do so now. Remember though, you will need a trade visitors pass/ticket to the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 in order to attend the Airsoft Meetup. Lest, you forget, here are the details:

AIRSOFT MEETUP
IWA Outdoor Classics 2018
11 March 2018
1400 – 1700H
Hong Kong Room
Nuremberg Messe

After testing the “Helmets of the Future” last year, the U.S. Army has awarded 3M subsidiary, Ceradyne, Inc., an additional US$34 Million to continue supplying the helmets. Called the Integrated Head Protection Systems (IHPS), this is the latest generation in head protection system designed to protect most of the head of today’s warfighter.

This is full head protection system that it looks futuristic that some cannot help compare the IHPS to the F35 pilot’s helmet although the latter is really futuristic and really expensive. The IHPS includes a mandible, visor, modular ballistic appliqué, night vision goggle attachment device, and rails to mount even more accessories.

The IHPS is a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system that also provides passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance such as protection from rifle and pistol rounds. Initially, 3M was awarded US$7 million in 2016 to supply 5,300 IHPS helmet systems.

3M is expected to start delivering the IHPS helmets early this year. Press release below:

U.S. Army Awards 3M Additional $34 Million for Helmets of the Future

ST. PAUL, Minn. – March 1, 2018 – The U.S. Army has awarded Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, an additional $34 million to continue supplying its ballistic helmet of the future. The Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) – which Popular Mechanics described as straight out of science fiction – uses advanced materials, an ultramodern design and add-on accessories to give soldiers greater comfort and advanced protection for modern missions. This brings Ceradyne’s total IHPS contract value to more than $52 million.

The U.S. Army created the highly technical IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet with passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. It is a component of the Army’s next-generation Soldier Protection System (SPS) program, which seeks to optimize soldier protection while reducing total equipment weight.

"This order reinforces the Army’s confidence in 3M to design and produce the IHPS, which is so advanced, it sets a new global standard for head protection," said Cheryl Ingstad, global business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M.

The IHPS is designed to protect against modern battlefield threats, including powerful rifle projectiles and handgun bullets. It can be fitted with accessories, such as mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment, rails and a modular ballistic applique for increased protection. 3M will begin delivery in early 2018 and will continue to deliver throughout the year.

For more information about 3M soldier protection solutions, visit www.3M.com/Defense.

Photo Source: U.S. Army

Worried about an active shooter event might just happen near your right now? We do not really blame you. These days such situations are being reported in the news regularly and the number of casualties just keeps piling up. There are many ways to prevent or minimize such situations, but it is always a political question, especially in the U.S. While politicians, gun control and pro-gun advocates debate, civilians may have to think of ways to protect themselves in an active shooter situation.

Leatherback Gear got an immediate solution: their Tactical One and Civilian One From Backpack To Bulletproof backpacks.

At first glance, the Tactical One looks like a day bag that is MOLLE compatible whilst the Civilian One does not look tactical and can readily blend in public spaces. But when needed, both convert into a protective vest with 2 soft armor panels for torso protection, both at the front and at the back. It only takes 5 seconds to convert this backpack into a bulletproof vest and even children can easily learn how it is done.

The ballistic rating of the armor included in the package can stop a .44 magnum round. Protection is even enhanced by adding more layers inside the backpack by using stuff carried everyday: textbooks, laptop, documents, etc.

Here are more features of both backpacks as enumerated by the company:

1. Converts into a protective vest with 2 soft armor panels for torso protection, both front & back!
2. Laptop & Tablet storage compartments
3. Water resistant fabric
4. Zippers are covered with fabric protection
5. Bulletproof – soft armor panels with NIJ threat level protection IIIA
6. Armor panel pockets allow for secure storage of armor
7. Heavy duty internal velcro & nylon strapping system All safety-related features are readily identifiable via our red colored tabs and threads
8. Felt-lined sunglass pocket
9. Internal front organizer pocket for pens, pencils, etc.
10. Easy access compartments
11. Hidden pocket on back
12. RFID lined/blocking pocket on back for added protection of credit cards, passport, etc.
13. Molle rigging system on exterior of pack + straps
14. Hidden pockets in shoulder straps
15. Easy digital cord access pockets in shoulder straps
16. Detachable straps transform into tourniquets, drag straps, and/or door stop strap
17. Handle on top reinforced to hold up to 300lbs
18. Easy passport storage
19. Superior design for improved biomechanical balance of weight
20. Fullback cushions for comfort while carrying
21. Separation zipper transforms backpack into soft body armor for torso
22. Hidden pockets in middle for concealing items
23. Name card in hidden pocket allows for name, in case of emergency, allergies, etc. to be listed
24. In a crisis (i.e., active shooting, etc.) the backpack keeps all contents in place
25. Numerous points to connect military type name for easy identification

So it is something that you might want to sink your money into for everyday protection? If you are in the States where active shooter events take place almost regularly, then you might want. If you are a worried parent especially after the Parkland incident and that schools are always targets of mass shooters, then equipping your child with the Civilian One backpack can give you peace of mind. Here is a video of child showing how to use the Civilian One:

Both the Leatherback Gear Tactical One and Civilian One are in stock at the Leatherback Gear online store. The Tactical One will cost US$399.00 and the Civilian One US$329.00. These are expensive backpacks but when you think of your love ones’ safety and your own safety was well, they can be money well-spent.

Almost a year ago, we reported that the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) have been looking into a “third arm” the augment the capabilities of soldiers in the field. Three arms are still better than two and having an artificial third arm can help reduce muscle fatigue on the soldier’s normal arms. The third arm can help carry a soldier’s weapon and frees up exhausted arms as well as help carry other equipment.

The third arm aims to spread the weight that soldiers are carrying from their arms and shoulders to the abdomen. The third arm is attached to the soldier’s back hip in this case. Last summer, 6 soldiers volunteered to be part of the pilot study.

In an article at the Army.mil website, ARL researchers are going to test the third arm this spring on 15 soldiers. ARL Mechanical Engineer Dan Beachle said that, “Right now we have a prototype that's essentially a research platform that we're using to investigate different types of materials -- how materials and structures can stabilize a weapon or a shield, reduce fatigue on the Soldiers' arms, but also improve accuracy."

The current prototype can carry an M249 and they are looking into improvements such as an extendable hinge so they can develop a single plate that can accommodate different sizes.

Whilst it was intended for helping soldiers in carrying weapons, the researchers are also looking into mounting defensive devices into the third arm, in this case a shield. A soldier can hold his/her weapon with both arms and fire with the third arm carrying a shield. This will allow a soldier carry a heavier weapon whilst using a shield unlike before that only one hand is free and usually wields a pistol while the other hand holds the shield.

The results have been positive but the researches have to make adjustments such as making it more comfortable for the soldiers to wear the third arm. Another adjustment is in helping soldiers fire more accurately with the third arm, especially with the weapons that fire bigger rounds, which usually translates into more recoil.

Will the U.S. Army field hordes of Doctor Octopuses in the future when the third arm project is deemed to be success and viable for deployment? You bet, they can carry more load and be more lethal in the field with their augmented bodies.

Photo credit:U.S. Army photos by Joe Lacdan

The doors of Nurembeg Messe open today to thousands of trade visitors who will be checking out the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 and find out what will be on display in the next four days as well as strike up deals with other business as the show. As for the airsoft community, it is also the biggest gathering where you get to see a good portion of the airsoft industry under one roof, far more than the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

If you are monitoring the happenings at the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018, always visit the Popular Airsoft website and other airsoft media outlets, including vloggers and bloggers. We will be posting everything we see and hear at the event so better be prepared for a deluge of photos and videos. You can also visit our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter to follow what is happening at the event.

Photo Source:NürnbergMesse

We will be featuring products on display at the show from the known airsoft companies that have become mainstays at the show as well as post our daily recap each day. If bandwidth permits, we’ll be posting videos, but expect more of the videos to come after the show.

If you are an airsoft trade visitor to the IWA Outdoor Classics, we invite you to join us in the following airsoft activities in conjunction with the trade show:

MEALSIM IWA 2018

To be held for the first time this year, the airsoft community at the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 will be trooping to the Burgerista burger joint in the city centre. We are expecting around 40-50 people to be joining us in this what will become a new tradition for airsoft. If you are free, join us in this man-on-meat activity. There are no table reservations so just come and grab your table as the Burgerista crew are ready for the airsoft horde.

MEALSIM IWA 2018
10 March 2018
2000 – 2200H
Burgerista
Königstraße 55,
90402 Nürnberg
Germany

AIRSOFT MEETUP 2018

The biggest annual gathering exclusively for the airsoft media and industry, the Airsoft Meetup is on its 7th year. For three hours, you get to hear from the airsoft industry their plans and products for the year. Also, it is where the winners of the 8th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards get to receive their awards. As this takes place inside Nuremberg Messe, you will need to have an IWA trade visitors pass to attend this event. Proceedings will be posted after the trade show has concluded.

AIRSOFT MEETUP 2018
11 March 2018
1400 - 1700H
Hong Kong Room
Nuremberg Messe

There will be enough airsoft news reporting for the weekend, so keep your eyes open and watch the Popular Airsoft website.

The big event for the airsoft community and industry has finally arrived, the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 in Nuremberg, Germany. Whilst it is about outdoors, hunting, leisure, and security, for the airsoft community, it is all about airsoft industry and what the airsoft companies are going to offer for the year. Whilst the SHOT Show is a big event with a good representation of the airsoft industry, it is the IWA Outdoor Classics where you get to see airsoft in full force.

Master Chief and I arrived on Thursday, still a day when everybody was still setting up their displays at the Nuremberg Messe. The only event that mattered for us was a dinner with the Gunfire   guys for some catching up and personal banter. But on Friday, the first day of the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018, we decided to come in early at around 0730H hoping to avoid the long queue for our badges. We indeed arrived early and waited for 30 minutes for our Press badges only to be informed that we did not need to. We just have to go to the entrance scanners and have our Press tickets scanned and the our badges will be automatically be printed out.

Having started our day awkwardly, we proceeded to the Press room located in the NCC Ost (East). A quick breakfast and some updates on the Popular Airsoft website, we finally were about to do our job for the day. In had Master Chief familiarise himself with the new video camera we brought, and hopefully would make his life easier covering the booths.

Charlie Suarez of G&G said he is ready anytime in the morning so we immediately went to to G&G booth. We said our hellos to the father and daughter team of company, Gerry and Amanda Liao, and Master Chief started his video work with Charlie. I checked out the items on display, such as the upcoming CM16 LMGs (Light Machine Guns) and  I can say that G&G got a hot seller. The price was not available yet and hopefully they get released in Summer during the height of airsoft season. There are more pistols and the collaboration between G&G and PolarStar Airsoft, the PR-15 PRO HPA-powered airsoft rifle.

By 1100H, our appointment with ASG came up and whilst Master Chief filmed the company’s famous Thomas “Deadpool” Mikkelsen, for me it was a meeting with Jacob Thomsen who head the International Sales and Marketing and Ben Webb, Media Relations. We talked about what the company are planning to do as they do have a lot to share to the airsoft media and community. Expect more information and content from ASG in the following months as Ben Webb will start turning on the faucet for more announcements and stories from the Danish company.

Right after ASG, we went to Hall 8 to find out the airsoft exhibitors there. RedWolf Airsoft was there, as well as Valken Tactical and Xcortech. We first set the schedules for video ops with Max Lai and from there headed back to Press Room for our lunch break. It has to be quick as we have to meet the APS team by 1300H on the other side of Nuremberg Messe, in Hall 3 to be exact.

APS, under the management of Mr. Frog Lee and Joe Lau doing the product development, has been aggressively releasing new iterations of their Phantom Extremis Rifle (PER) Series. Last year, we had our hands on the MK2, but for IWA 2018, they gave more information to us the upcoming MK7. This has a PDW stock which is generous with its battery compartment, which is big enough to accommodate 20C Lipo batteries and can be quickly deployed. We also get to have a closer look at the new Shark B a CO2-powered blowback pistol that can go full auto, and offers an improvement over the Black Hornet, which was already a beast.

The discussions with APS was very much animated that we almost lost track of time. It was almost 1400H and we had to rush to the RedWolf Airsoft booth. Max Lai had Marck West do the video with Master Chief. Whilst I had to take photos on what was on display, it was also the first time that gorgeous ladies helped man the booth. Marck presented the different products that RedWolf carries and you will see them once we get to post the videos on YouTube after we get back from the event as the bandwidth at the hotel as well as at the Nuremberg Messe was slow and we cannot just wait uploading the videos whilst there are a lot to see at the event.

Right after Marck, Rich of Wolverine Airsoft was also present at the RedWolf to talk about the upcoming MTW or the Modular Training Weapon which is the first complete HPA-powered airsoft rifle that they will be releasing. They are also developing an HPA buffer tube as well according to Master Chief.

ICS was up next for the day and we were curious about the Hera Arms CQR a collaboration between ICS and ASG and it is fully licensed from Hera Arms of Germany. There are some photos of real deal Hera Arms in the Facebook album of the first day and we sure like what we see and hopefully ICS would be making the full line-up. As for the ICS CXP series, we were curious about the new additions such as the CXP-YAK and the CXP-MMR. Luis of ICS was more than happy to oblige and talked about these products.

By 1600H were already done for the day. Mike of Border Wars told us that he planned to leave early as he wanted to avoid the traffic at the venue, especially the traffic at the parking area where sometimes it will take an hour just to get out. We agreed to leave by 1700H as I am already tired, having slept for just a few minutes rather than getting a good rest Thursday night. Mike dropped us at our hotel and we checked the footage of the videos. To our disappointment, whilst the videos were good, the audio capture was so bad that the videos turned out to be unusable. We had to do a retake of the videos so that means Master Chief has to work doubly hard on the second day so we can recover from the audio debacle of Day 1.

It was a Mexican night for us for our annual dinner with NLAirsoft and Border War with Laylax as represented by Masaki now a regular member of this Friday night dinner group of IWA. From there, we proceeded to Finnegans, the watering hole for the airsoft community during the IWA Outdoor Classics. After around three pints, my eyes and mind can’t help it anymore that we decided to call it a night by 2300H. Finally, I get to grab a few hours of sleep Friday night, and be in better shape today.

Day 1 Album of the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018 on the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page.

Finally, I was able to get about 5 hours of sleep making me more alert and energised for the second day of the IWA Outdoor Classics 2018. Saturday is when we expect more people coming to visit the trade fair as there is work and of course, it is Saturday.

I got up early to write the first day’s AAR and was able to finish it around 15 minutes before 0800H. We have to be at the Nuremberg Messe early so we can have our breakfast early and also post the update at the website. As for Master Chief, it’s to get an early start as he had to do a retake of the videos due to poor audio capture yesterday. Whilst I uploaded the first day photos at the Press Room, he went ahead of me to the exhibit halls to start the doing the videos.

Good thing I was able to finish the upload by around 1000H and had to rush to help him out. Luckily he mad quick work of the take so I just need to bring him to our day’s appointments starting with Gunfire. Bartosz was already there waiting for us and had Patryk ready to present some of the nice stuff the company has such as those from Specna Arms and the GFC Custom Division. There are improvements in the Specna Arms line including the addition of the G Series. For the Custom Division, we saw for the first time a double-barreled M14 which basically a custom work of welding two M14 EBRs together and building a contraption to fire them together as one. Cool job.

We dropped by Classic Army and DM Diffusion after to look into another double-barreled M4, the DT-4. First announced at the SHOT    Show 2018, it was also on display at the event. We’ll try to get more information either today and tomorrow as we needed to rush to the ICS booth and have Luis do a retake of the first day video before we go for a lunch break by 1200H.

Right after lunch we immediately went to our next appointment which was the LCT Airsoft in Hall 7. Bella Chen together with their CEO, Kevin Lin, were there on hand to greet us and his sister was ready as well to present the product they are pressing hard to promote, the LCT Airsoft LC-3 series. Already a famous amongst players for the build quality and attention to detail, it is becoming one of the company’s best sellers.

If you are wondering about the LCT AK blowback series, there is no release date announced for the complete EBB. But for existing owners of LCT AK AEGs, including the other LCT airsoft rifles based on the Russian weapons design, they will be able to get the EBB kit for them to install ahead of the release of the complete EBB.

We went back to Hall 8 to be ready for our next appointment which was with Valken Tactical. But we were too early and tried to see of Silverback Airsoft was available to present their products. Luckily they were and Nishal and Dennis talked about their upcoming products such as the DesertTech SRS and MDR airsoft replicas with the latter having a really nice looking gearbox with 10mm bearings.

The Kaiju was ready when we got to the Valken Tactical booth and he stressed on the customer support that Valken is proudly promoting. Players can ship to them for free, units with problems or defects and they will fix them. He also goes over the ASL and Alloy Series which are the latest in the AEG offerings from Valken. He also introduces their Lithium Ion batteries that are much safer to use the Lipos as well as have enough capacity to power AEGs at optimum levels.

King Arms are heavy into promoting their TWS series, which are nicely made series of AEGs. They now have a PDW/SBR in the mix as this is the trend for this year. Also, the CAA Airsoft Division Micro Roni kit, a more compact and lighter version of the famous RONI Carbine Conversion Kit was on display as well.
Modify-Tech are introducing the latest member of their XTC family, the XTC AEG which has a generous and easily adjustable PDW stock and improvements from its bigger brothers, the XTC and and the XTC-CQB. They will also be introducing their own shotgun very soon and they say it gives better performance over the competition. For the MOD24 owners, there are new parts and accessories that they can now purchase.

Angel Muro of Airsoft Megastore has brought in the Lancer Tactical AEGs and for the first time outside of the U.S. we get to see them. There are the second generation of Lancer Tactical AEGs as well as unique AEGs that they will releasing soon such as the LT-29 and LT-30. Lancer Tactical are now getting more traction in the U.S. for their improving line of AEGs that give better performance at a price point that even the most budget-conscious airsoft player cannot refuse.

Eleonora and Luigi of FreeShot SRL, the Milan-based airsoft vendor made ready for us to check out the prototype version of the upcoming Bolt Airsoft AK74SU with the BRSS. We first saw this in Taiwan during the MOA Exhibition 2017 but it was mainly an “exploded” version with all the bits and pieces shown rather than one complete AEG. The blowback and recoil is impressive indeed.

For the last part of our appointments was the cocktails at ASG where everyone in the airsoft community at IWA 2018 converged at around 1600H.   We compared notes and kept each other updated on what we have spotted and seen on the second day.  We called it a day at around 1730H as we need to get back to the hotel to transfer videos and photos and prepare for the biggest moment of IWA Outdoor Classics 2018…

… MEALSIM 2018. Over 50-strong airsoft players and vendors thronged to the Burgerista in the Nuremberg City Centre. It is the first MealSim event in the world and it is an international one with more players coming from all the four corners of world. Burgerista did not disappoint, though service was a bit slow,  but their burgers more than made up for the wait we had to endure. Thomas Mikkelsen of ASG did an excellent job coordinating the man-on-meat event and by 2130H we went to Finnegan’s which was just two doors away from Burgerista for more MealSim Action.

With everyone tired after a long second day, the MealSim was a weclome respite. The burgers of Burgerista and drinks at Finnegan’s surely made the end of Day 2 a memorable one.

There are talks that a MealSim USA will be organised too. Excellent!

Oh by the way, Femme Fatale Airsoft got a tattoo at the event, courtesy of Umarex.

Day 2 Photos on the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page.