The largest airsoft practical pistol shooting tournament in Europe is finally back after a one year hiatus. The Airsoft Surgeon Practical Shooting Championships will be held once again in the United Kingdom, and for will be held at a different venue this year.

Started in 2013, the Airsoft Surgeon tournament has been at the forefront of promoting airsoft practical shooting. Starting at The Grange in Balsall Common, Solihull near Conventry, the tournament has grown over the years attracting airsoft shooters not only from Europe but from Asia and South America as well.

Only in 2018 that the tournament was not held to give way to the first Action Air World Shoot that was held in Hong Kong in June. It also allowed RedWolf Airsoft UK, the main backer of the tournament a respite after their HQ in Tewkesbury was hit by fire just a few weeks before the 2017 Airsoft Surgeon European Championship took place.

For this year, the tournament will be moving to the Isle of Wight, to the home of the First Person Shooter (FPS) Shooting range in Newport.  According to tournament organiser, Chris Kong of RedWolf Airsoft UK the main sponsor is Shield Sights and thus, this year’s tournament is called the Airsoft Surgeon 2019 Shield Cup and it will be held on the 3rd to the 4th of August 2019.

FPS are the largest organised airsoft practical shooting group in the UK and they always have the biggest contingent at each Airsoft Surgeon tournament. Their organisation will be prove valuable as they will finally be the hosts this year.

Now, for the details of the tournament. For two days, there will be a total of 16 stages: 8 Short, 6 Medium, 2 Long with a Minimum Round Count of 304. There will be a Shoot Off competition as well. Individual Registration Fee is at  £70 whilst teams of four shooters pay a registration fee of £40 per team member.
The Divisions for this shoot will be Open with a Max 28 rounds BB in each magazine; Standard (Max 18 rounds BB in each magazine); Classic (Max 10 rounds BB in each magazine – single stack only); Production (Max 15 rounds BB in each magazine) – Pistols currently approved on Production Division List); and Production Optic (Max 15 rounds BB in each magazine). Categories are Super Senior, Senior, Lady, Male, and Junior (17 years old & under).

For this year, a “Team Challenge” will be introduced. A team is defined as four shooters even if they are shooting in different squads. To determine the winning team of the tournament, team members should work on accruing the most points for their team. This “Team Challenge” will proceed as soon as five teams have indicated interest.

Interested teams and shooters can start signing up for the event with the last day for registration on the 31st of August 2019. The Pre-Match for ROs will be on the 1st to the 2nd of August whilst the Main Match will take place on the 3rd to the 4th of August 2019.

As always, ever since it started in 2013, we will be covering the event. So expect us to be there and hopefully film the action live so you can follow the tournament via social media.

In 2018, the U.S. Army has missed its annual recruitment target of 6,500 for the for the first time. With low employment in the overall U.S. economy, the attraction of the service is not compelling as potential recruits have more options in the job market. The Army decided to tweak its recruitment process and implementing new approaches.

One such approach that may help meet recruitment goals is eSports.

A big number of Americans play video games. According to the Entertainment Software Association, 60% of the population play video games everyday with 35% of this market are American males ages 21 to 35. With this big portion of the population into video games and eSports getting bigger with lucrative competitive leagues not having global following, it is hard for the Army to ignore eSports.

Thus, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command  since September 2018 is forming an eSports team comprised of active soldiers and this program has attracted over 4,000 applications which makes it an attractive option for soldiers to help boost recruitment.

In a news post a the Army.mil website, Maj. Gen. Frank Muth, commanding general for U.S. Army Recruiting Command said that, "If we are going to be successful in recruiting, then we need to be where young people are -- and they are operating in the digital world. There are already thousands of current Soldiers who are competitive online gamers. Now we are giving them a chance to use their talents to help us relate to and connect with other young gamers.

They will have the ability to start a dialogue about what it is like to serve in our Army and see if they are interested in joining."

As explained by the Army Recruitment Command eSports Page:

The United States Army eSports Team is a competition team of the U.S. Army. Its members are drawn from the Regular Army and Army Reserves.

This team will be part of the Marketing and Engagement Brigade based at Fort Knox. They will operate much like the Golden Knights and the Army Marksmanship Unit to create awareness about the Army and the opportunities it provides.

This team will represent the Army in competitions and events across the nation.

Soldiers have expressed a strong desire to represent the Army in competitive gaming. They have shown Army leaders how gaming can help us connect to young people and show them a side of Soldiers they may not expect. This initiative will help make our Soldiers more visible and relatable to today's youth.
Members of the eSports outreach teams are not recruiters. They will be in a support role to help young people see Soldiers in a different light and understand the many different roles people can have in the Army. They will help the Army address the growing disconnect with society.

Competitive online gaming will be part of the duties of the eSports team. Soldiers on this team will travel to various events and compete for the Army.

The outreach team members will receive the same pay and benefits as other Soldiers of equal rank across the Army. All expenses associated with certifications, competitions and other requirements of the job will be paid by the Army.

It can also be a lucrative endeavor for the members of the Army eSports team if they are competitive enough to go against the best in the various eSports leagues such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, and more. These leagues offer millions in total cash prizes with members of leading eSports teams accorded rock star status.

Once the eSports team of Army gets formed, they will start competing by Summer 2019.

Photo Source: US Army eSports Facebook Page

Too cold to play outside this weekend? Then you might want to stay in doors and binge watch on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram of Black The Web Series. The series started in 2013 as a Kickstarter project by award-winning writer/director Frank T. Ziede and he contacted us during the crowdfunding campaign about this.

The series heavily uses airsoft guns as props for the series.

The series follows Agent Carnahan, a CIA Operative who began his career with the US Navy SEALs and later DEVGRU, it was initially planned as six-episode project but with plans to expand further depending on the reception and demand by the viewers. Upon completion of the first six episodes, a 6-episode Season 2 followed and went online in 2015.

With the release of all episodes for both seasons for people to watch online for free does not mean it is the end of the web series and it looks like there will still be another season or project. Ziede has partnered up with the Emmy award winning production team from Legion of Creatives and have released a promo on YouTube:

They also further confirm about future plans with this announcement on Facebook:

No further details yet on Season 3 and if it will continue as a web series or will it be snapped by the giant web streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video or even YouTube Red? We hope that it’s an even better production with a bigger budget.

For now, stay tuned.

The first big trade event that the airsoft industry will be showcasing its products will be in Las Vegas, at the annual SHOT Show hosted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Whilst it’s mainly known as a show for the real steel industry, over the years, Airsoft has built a sizeable presence, albeit their mainly spreadout in the sprawling Sands Convention Center, rather than in one location.

But hey! Who’s complaining? This helps visitors mainly looking for airsoft exhibitors to take a look at other exhibitors such as real steel manufacturers and gear makers so they can appreciate the trade show overall.

As always, we’ll be seeing the various airsoft YouTube channels, especially those run by those based in North America, in full force bringing to our screens whatever they see on the exhibition floor. Will there be groundbreaking products? Or new and improved ones? Or will there be drama just like in the past years?

The event starts on the 22nd and ends on the 25th January 2019. But before the doors to the exhibition floor open there will be preliminary events such as the NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic which is a charity event to raise funds for disabled combat veterans on Sunday, the 20th. Monday the 21st is something many in airsoft media look forward to as they can get their hands and able to shoot real steel guns, especially those that have airsoft versions at the Industry Day at the Range which is made for the media.

The SHOT Show 2019 is not open to the public as it is only for the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade and commercial buyers and sellers of military, law enforcement and tactical products and services. If you intend to attend the show, you will have to meet their requirements as a trade visitor or media representative.

We will not be there physically but we’ll do monitoring of the various airsoft media groups, bloggers, and YouTube celebrities as they report from exhibition flooring. As always, feature the most interesting bits from the airsoft industry as well as the overall firearms and tactical gear industry. Hopefully, this year will reveal a bunch of goodies that we all want to have in airsoft.

The star of the show at the 5th Tokyo Marui Festival was the MK46 MOD.0 NGRS (New Generation Recoil Shock) AEG. Whilst the Japanese airsoft company is the leading manufacturer of airsoft guns ever since it introduced the FAMAS AEG in 1991, releasing airsoft models of some of the iconic and popular real world guns, it has never released an airsoft support weapon, which was a wonder by many over the years. Other companies have taken the lead in developing airsoft LMG foremost are Classic Army and A&K.

But before that, let’s go back again to the 5th Tokyo Marui Festival which took place last 17-18 November 2018. As for the recap of the products that were revealed during the festival, please do refer to this story when we posted the product revelations.

As it is their own party, Tokyo Marui pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable event for their visitors. Initially held during the summer season, the event was moved to November, in which cooler weather allowed for more comfortable visits for curious airsoft players and the general public. It was too hot during the summer season and cooling the place was an issue.

It was a surprise that the company took the effort of having an MH-6 greeting the visitors to look at and take photos of. This is the light attack chopper used by the U.S. Special Operations, especially by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers). Another vehicle that was on display was the Tokyo Marui PRSV-02 which comes in a black matte colour scheme.  This is a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 AX which has a 1 UR-FE V8 Engine and is 4-wheel drive. No one was allowed to ride it but you can watch it in action in the video presentation of the MK46 Mod 0 NGRS on YouTube wherein Decca makes an entrance driving it.

Anson “Hollywood” Beck of the Falcon Operations Group graced the show to talk about the Tokyo Marui MTR16 Gas Blowback Rifle. He was consulted by the company in the development of the real steel prototype of the MTR16 to find if the design has the ergonomics to be used in a real steel version. There will be no full production of the real steel MTR16 as the prototype was a proof of concept that its design can be implemented in the real world. He also gets to pose withh the MK46 MOD.0 NGRS.

Apart from looking at the new products revealed, visitors were able to shoot airsoft guns at the Shooting Experience Corner, have their photos taken at the Resident Evil RE: 2 Photo Spot. Buy Marui merchandise at the Merchandise Corner and treat themselves to coffee and Crepes, the first time we saw a food van installed at the venue.

Now back to the story of the MK46 MOD.0 NGRS.  According to Tokyo Marui’s Yuki Maeda, the decision to make an LMG was not a new decision. In fact, the made a prototype M249 NGRS a year or two after the release of the first Tokyo Marui NGRS, the AK74MN, and that was 11 years ago. In fact, the prototype was briefly featured in page 116 of “The Complete Book Of Tokyo Marui” released in 2017 in Japan by World Photo Press.

But with the prototype M249 NGRS, why did they not bring it to production? They surmised that it was going to be pretty expensive when it gets released during that decade and it also that players might find it heavy. Over the years, they eventually released expensive and heavy NGRS models such as the HK417 NGRS, SGR-12, and Thor’s Hammer, airsoft players bought them, not minding the price and weight of these models. Thus, they decided that an airsoft LMG like the M249 can now be released.

But instead of officially announcing an M249 NGRS, they revealed a MK46 MOD.0 model. Maeda said that there were several reasons why though she declined to reveal all of them as she cannot disclose them. However, there are two primary reasons why a MK46 MOD.0 NGRS over an M249 NGRS. First, the M249 is already an old design. Second, the MK46 MOD 0 design has picatinny rails, allowing airsoft players to install weapons accessories such as optics and other aiming devices making it more attractive than the M249.

The belt-link feeding simulation seen in the MK46 MOD.0 NGRS was already in the M249 prototype, but other improvements based on their experience in developing the prototype that were implemented in the MK46 MOD.0 were not mentioned.

Other features are the unique battery installation procedure. You can install the battery using an Ni-MH AK-type battery, which means it is a stick battery, by doing the procedure on barrel change done in the real gone, making it a more realistic operation. Many players find this a very thoughtful and nice touch.

Operating it requires pulling the handle to set the BBS and the LMG stops when the magazine is empty.  The magazine is electric feeding with 1,000 rounds capacity; the flash hider is detachable and you can install a 14mm CCW suppressor. It also comes with a folding bipod for a more stable shooting platform.

Here is a video from Sakataku TV where the operations and features are explained.

If you want to become an owner of the Tokyo Marui MK46 MOD.0 NGRS, better start saving up now as you have been warned that is going to be expensive though the pricing has not been announced yet. The planned release will be in Spring 2019 so better be ready with your cash when it get released.

Personally, I would like Tokyo Marui to immediately follow up the MK46 MOD.0 with an M249 Para version with the cover that seen in the MK46 as it has a top RIS rail for mounting optics.

Will the Tokyo Marui MK46 MOD.0 usher in a family of LMGs from the company? We sure hope so, for decades we have been wishing for the company to release their own airsoft support weapons. Finally, there is one.

If you have not cast your votes you this far in the voting period of the 9th Airsoft Players' Choice Awards, where have you been? But don’t worry, there is still enough time for you to cast your vote. Just don’t cast your vote when it’s already too late. So better get the vote in as well as invite your airsoft team mates to do the same.

Click the button below to start voting:

For the finalists in the 25 categories, it’s time to start revving up the campaign for votes as there’s no time to waste if they want to win. The remaining two weeks should be devoted to getting those votes in to have a better chance of winning. So if there’s a video, a poster, or a banner to get their attention, then it’s time to deploy them.

Remember, just two weeks to go and voting also gets you the chance to enter in the raffle draw and win one of these lovely raffle prizes:

Airsoft guns from Tokyo Marui:

TOKYO MARUI MTR16 GAS BLOWBACK RIFLE

TOKYO MARUI JGSDF TYPE 89 GAS BLOWBACK RIFLE

TOKYO MARUI M&P9L PC PORTED GAS BLOWBACK PISTOL

For the Europe-based airsoft player, raffle prize sets from Gunfire and Specna Arms:

SET 1

SA-V26 Assault Rifle Replica Specna Arms - RED EDITION
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms RED GUN
Patch Gunfire

SET 2:

Carabine Replika Specna Arms SA-C09 CORE - HALF-TAN
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms RED GUN
Patch Gunfire

SET 3:

Blast Plate Carrier Tactical Vest Primal Gear
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms Carbine - tan
Patch Gunfire

Military 1st also sent in two raffle prizes:

HELIKON RATEL MK2 BACKPACK SHADOW GREY

PENTAGON KYLER BACKPACK WOLF GREY

Please always take time to visit our sponsors as their support is very much valuable in making the awards possible:

Bettere get those votes coming in and help us find the winners of the 9th Airsoft Players' Choice Awards.

It’s the SHOT Show 2019 Week and the first day is not really at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas but at the Range wherein the representatives of media, whether real steel, airsoft, or the mainstream media, get their chance to shoot the various guns made available by real steel company representatives at the range.

o airsoft guns for this report, it’s all about the real world guns and the brass being ejected out of these as media reps get to rock and roll before the doors open at the Sands Convention Center today. Whilst we have not seen any posts from the airsoft YouTube celebs, we get to see reports from some of the blogs and channels that we usually follow.

The Firearm Blog features the AREX Delta Striker-fired 9mm Pistol and it is an all polymer pistol:

We see a lot of SIG Sauer videos showing their P320 Compact, 938 Legion, M400 Tread and MCX Rattler done by Burst Review; the MPX Copperhead by Guns America: and the Kit Badger giving an overview of the Range Day.

Mike La Putt tries the guns from Sol Invictus Arms, DesertTech and Battle Arms:

Gears of Guns did some interviews in the range too:

More from the real steel and airsoft worlds will be posted on this website as we go on with the week.

It’s the first day of the SHOT Show 2019 the massive shooting industry trade show in North America that is hosted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Yesterday, media representatives were treated to actual hands on shooting of real steel guns at the Industry Day at the Range, but today is really the start of hard work from the exhibit floor.

For the airsoft community, we are in for a treat as at the RedWolf Airsoft, they announced the RWA Battled Arms Development (BAD) Rifle Project.  Last year, we featured the BAD Paratrooper & Tanker Rifles which we first revealed a the SHOT Show 2018.  What we like with these rifles are the touches of wood such as the handguard and the pistol grip that are made of Grade A French Walnut. Both rifles use the RIGIDRAIL M-LOK free float rail system. Tanker has its buffer tube as another piece from the lower receiver and it is attached with the use of a short buffer tube while the Paratrooper has the  telescoping stock machine to the lower.

RWA and BAD announced licensing partnership in 2016, little did we know however that they are working on airsoft versions of the Tanker and Paratrooper.  The news from the RWA booth at the SHOT Show 2019 is music to our ears. Photo below from RWA UK  and a video from RWTV shows Marck West with a Fortis project as well.

The Airsoft.nu guys are the SHOT Show too and their preliminary video is about the G&G releases for 2019. We’re not quite sure if this video was taken from the booth or from the G&G HQ in Taichung.

Airsoft Revolution 15, an airsoft indoor CQB site and store based in San Antonio, Texas were busy doing livestreams from the Sands Convention Center:

DesertFox Airsoft goes to visit the SHOT Show and covers Titan Power and PTS Syndicate:

Jonathan Higgs of Airsoftology checks out the Elite Force and Valken booths:

We are expecting more reports from the floor to share as more and more news are getting posted online. Hopefully, we get to hear more reports from the airsoft industry today. Stay tuned!

More reports coming in from the various airsoft media channels on YouTube from the SHOT Show 2019 floor as it went for the second day. The product announcements made by the airsoft manufacturers on their social media pages have become more real as they are on display at the trade show. 
We know you want to hear about these more so here they are:

Airsoft.nu got Thomas Mikkelsen of ASG to talk about the new ASG CZ Shadow 2 Blowback Pistol. This is an awaited pistol especially for competitive action air shooters who want more of CZ pistols available in the airsoft market.  He also talks about the Tactical Ergomics Kit (TEK) for the ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 series and the upcoming Hera Arms CQR series being produced in cooperation with ICS Airsoft:

Airsoft Master, an airsoft retailer, has been busy on the floor as well as they visit the booths and making a video report. They visit the KWA Performance Industries where they show the KWA Ronin TK45 Series that is available in different lengths, with M-Lok Rails, adjustable FPS and are Gate Titan MOSFET compatible. Also on the display are the KWA QRF MOD 1 and MOD 2 that use the TK45 magazine:

Airsoft Pacific, one of the oldest and most active airsoft communities in the world, visit the PolarStar Airsoft booth to check out the M4 CO2 Buffer Tube and other airsoft HPA products they have. They then meet Andy Yoshida of Tippmann Airsoft to get him talk about their new M4.

The always dependable DesertFox Airsoft tells why Titan Power Li-On batteries at the ZShot booth are a new way to power your AEGs:

Airsoftology shows us all the offerings of Elite Force/Umarex in the USA for 2019 such as the Glock 18C:

For fans of the Silverback DesertTech SRS sniper rifle, The Firearm Blog reports that there is an update to the real deal SRS to the A2 configuration and LMT's New Grenade Launchers and Suppressed AR15:

2 Brother's Adventures feature the Unimag a universal multi-caliber AR15 magazine by Ross Defense Systems and Helikon-Tex products:

More updates from the SHOT Show 2019 will be posted on the news section. Watch out for surprises!

A bit fewer reports from the airsoft front right at the SHOT Show 2019 today but there is still something interesting for those looking for a real steel brand having its guns licensed for airsoft use. We’ll get to that later. But today will cover more real steel stuff with some we hope to have airsoft versions soon.

First, here are the headlines from SHOT Show TV for January 24:

If you have not heard about it yet, G&G are building airsoft versions of the Cobalt Kinetic B.A.M.F. which was first seen at the SHOT Show 2016. This will feature the A.D.A.M. (Auto-Drop Advance Magazine) im which players can turn a switch on the magazine to allow the magazine to automatically drop from the mag well after the last BB is fired. The switch can be turned off if players don’t need this feature. Matt of Evike.com visits the booth of G&G to check out what are on display and Matt of Evike.com tells more about the G&G Cobalt Kinetic B.A.M.F.

The Firearm Blog got to visit the Angstatdt booth to check their PDWs that either use the Glock 9mm magazine or the .300 BLK as well as the company’s compact PDW stock and bolt carrier set for the AR15. They also check out the Crackshot XBR Arrow Firing Rifle, perhaps for those who want to do stealthy close up shots.

Beretta announce new M93A variants, the company's entry to the U.S. Army MHS program that was won by SIG Sauer's P320 that later became the M17/M18 service pistols. BurstReview reports about these.

Brownells, a big exhibitor and supporter of the SHOT Show got their TV setup to interview companies and present their products on display. For this video, they have Magpul talk about their new products for 2019.

We know many of you are excited about Battle Arms Development (B.A.D.) airsoft guns coming into the market courtesy of RWA. AR15.com now shows the real steel stuff coming out from the company:

We'll post more SHOT Show 2019 reports as they come in in he news section.

It was the last day of the SHOT Show 2019 and by now what needs to be reported on the airsoft front has been probably reported by now. But not really, as we still have some more to post here that should interest our readers.

Specna Arms, the brand that many airsoft players in Europe are familiar with, has set up shop at the Sands Convention for the first time as it aims to establish a presence in the U.S.A. Specna Arms had on display two lines of their airsoft products: the EDGE with the metal receiver and the CORE with a polymer receiver. Both are under licence from Rock River Arms, a firearms manufacturer based in Illinois.

The company are heavily promoting EDGE as they say it is something completely new and will be release available in the airsoft market in a few weeks. The EDGE has a 6.03mm precision barrel; rotary HU unit, Orion reinforced geabox; QD pistol grip for direct access to motor without using any tools; Easy Spring Access system; and mid-cap magazines in the box.

But what makes it interesting is that features the GATE X-ASR. This is the MOSFET that is available in Specna Arms AEGs. The whole range was on display show and will be available globally with 14 models in black or half-tan versions.

More photos of the Specna Arms booth at the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page.

Evike.com got still more videos to report, visiting the ZShot to check out the products such as those from PTS and Odin Innovations. Matt also reports about the modular panels and gear from LBX Tactical and the QRFs Mods 1 & 2 from KWA:

Pain X was the then SHOT Show 2019 and he covers the American PTW which was also at the ZShot booth:

We get to hear more about the TAGInn products from Airsoftology and Jonathan Higgs talks about these and also spots a very small AEG:

Finally. Airsoft.nu update their G&G Armament video with their on the show floor version:

It's not all guns for this story. Vickers Tactical show some of the new products from Blue Force Gear.

There will be more SHOT Show 2019 videos in the following days and weeks. We'll be posting a selection in the news section.

These is the final week of the Voting Period of the 9th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards. This means that in the next seven days, the finaliststs will have to do their utmost efforts to get the votes out for their categories. This is their last week to make their case why readers of Popular Airsoft  and the general airsoft playing communities should vote for them.

If you want to vote now, you can do so immediately by clicking on the button below:

Remember, there are 25 categories for you to vote in. You do not need to cast your vote in each of the category but you have the option to give your vote in all, the more votes the merrier, ain’t it?

For the finalists, it’s time to unleash the charm offensive.

Remember, just a week to go and voting also gets you the chance to enter in the raffle draw and win one of these lovely raffle prizes:

Airsoft guns from Tokyo Marui:

TOKYO MARUI MTR16 GAS BLOWBACK RIFLE

TOKYO MARUI JGSDF TYPE 89 GAS BLOWBACK RIFLE

TOKYO MARUI M&P9L PC PORTED GAS BLOWBACK PISTOL

For the Europe-based airsoft player, raffle prize sets from Gunfire and Specna Arms:

SET 1

SA-V26 Assault Rifle Replica Specna Arms - RED EDITION
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms RED GUN
Patch Gunfire

SET 2:

Carabine Replika Specna Arms SA-C09 CORE - HALF-TAN
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms RED GUN
Patch Gunfire

SET 3:

Blast Plate Carrier Tactical Vest Primal Gear
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms Carbine - tan
Patch Gunfire

Military 1st also sent in two raffle prizes:

HELIKON RATEL MK2 BACKPACK SHADOW GREY

PENTAGON KYLER BACKPACK WOLF GREY

Please always take time to visit our sponsors as their support is very much valuable in making the awards possible:

Bettere get those votes coming in and help us find the winners of the 9th Airsoft Players' Choice Awards.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Army put out a press release that they will begin testing prototypes for the new Army Combat Boots (ACB). The testing will be at three different basic training and active duty installations over the next four months. This will gather feedback for further evaluation and improvement for the new footwear that is planned to be released.

At present, the Army's the has seven different styles of boots that have been designed for different environments and climates. For the testing, the boots issued initially to recruits are the Hot Weather and Temperate Weather Army Combat Boots.

The press release cites surveys that were conducted by the Soldier Center report that Soldier satisfaction with ACBs is lower than that with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) combat footwear. Thus, soldiers tend to to purchase and wear COTS boot than use the issued ones.

"The survey of over 14,000 Soldiers world-wide discovered that almost 50% choose to wear COTS combat boots instead of Army-issued boots," Anita Perkins, RDECOM Soldier Center footwear research engineer and technical lead, said. "Many Soldiers reported choosing combat boots from the commercial market because the COTS boots are lighter, more flexible, require less break-in time, and feel more like athletic shoes than traditional combat boots or work boots. Unfortunately, these characteristics often come at the cost of durability and protection."

The three companies have been awarded the contract to develop prototypes are Altama, Belleville Boot Company and McRae Footwear.  Two companies each submitted one prototype whilst one decided to put forward two prototypes. The Soldier Center's Footwear Performance team believes that new technologies can bridge the gap between the lightweight, comfortable, COTS boots and the durable, protective, Army-issued boots. By working with the industry, they aim for lighter boots as the prototype boots are 1.5lbs lighter than the current ACBs.

The test boots will be issued to 800 basic trainees at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Then another 800 pairs will be going to infantry Soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Soldier Center team will be hand-fitting each pair of prototype boots throughout the month. They will then return in March and April to collect surveys and conduct focus groups for feedback gathering.

Al Adams, team leader for the Soldier Clothing and Configuration Management Team at the Soldier Center said that, "Soldiers live in their boots and many will tell you that there is no piece of equipment more important to their lethality and readiness. A bad pair of boots will ruin a Soldier's day and possibly result in injuries, so we really believe that each of these prototype boots have the potential to improve the lives of Soldiers".

"The development of new boots take advantage of the latest materials technology, and are functional and comfortable, is critical to ensuring that our Soldiers are ready to fight and win in any environment," said Doug Tamilio, director of the RDECOM Soldier Center. "Soldiers are the Army's greatest asset, and we owe it to them to make them more lethal to win our nation's wars."

Top photo:U.S. Army Soldier from the 1-114th Infantry Regiment stands in the mud holding 7.62mm ammunition (Photo by: Master Sgt. Matt Hecht, U.S. Army)

Radetec has been developing LED or LCD counters for firearms for several years now. The company, which is based in Zaragosa, Spain, released a counter for the 1911 pistol a few years back, and have kept on developing more counters since then.  The Glock Counter, or called the Radetec Inertial Shooting Counter  (RISC), which is getting more attention since the SHOT Show 2019, is already 3 years old, having first revealed by Radetec in 2016.

Keeping track of how many rounds are left in your firearm is usually guesswork. But you always want to be precise especially in situations such as being a in firefight, or in a more non-life threatening situation, a shooting competition. So having a shot counter is a useful tool.

So how does the RISC Glock Counter Work? Radetec calls it more of a Smart Slide that can fit Glock Gen 3, 4, and 5 models. As a kit, it comes with the Smart Slide which has a built-in screen at the rear, a new back strap and (2) followers for the magazines. The followers are important as they talk to the slide to inform it that a magazine has been inserted and how many rounds it contains.

The battery that powers the counter lasts for 8 hours when in use and can last a month on standby. Here is the improved version as shown at the SHOT Show 2019 showing a counter and indicator that features a coloured LCD screen:

What I like about this counter is that it is not only about counting how many rounds are left in the magazine. It also acts a safety indicator informing the owner if a round is still left in a chamber and thus, should be ejected to make it safe to store away or holster. It also shows if there is no magazine inserted in the pistol.

The Firearm Blog shows more of this product at the Radetec USA booth at the SHOT Show 2018:

It is interesting if such tech can be replicated for airsoft use, especially for airsoft practical shooters who want to keep track of their rounds. Especially that there are some shot counters for some AEGs, it will be interesting to find in the future if airsoft pistols and GBB rifles will get the same.

If you want a more stable platform with your pistol, the first thing that gets to your mind is get a carbine conversion kit such as the RONI or the HERA 1911. They do turn your Glock or 1911 into a mini carbine that you can attach weapons accessories with. But then it is not a pistol that you can holster anymore after using it.

Flux Defense has the answer to that. At the SHOT Show 2019, the Flux Brace attracted the attention of trade visitors for its simple, patent-pending design. Available for the Glock G17, 22 , 31 , 34,  35, and the G19 version in the works, it is an auto-deploy brace with its spring mechanism and is mainly made of Chromoly steel with Cerakote finish.

While it is considered to be holsterable, it works best with the reversible Flux Brace Holster for it as it guards auto-deploy button to prevent accidental ejection.

The Flux Brace is easy to ad to the Glock pistol with its single pin quick installation though the company advises that you watch the instruction video before installing it to insure you do it the right way.

Once installed, it can be deployed quickly with a push of the button and the shooter will notice a “Keep Face Back” at the end of the brace to allow for the pistol’s slide to cycle. It also deploys with a force so it is best to keep your face back. It also reminds you that it is a stabilizing brace not a stock with the written “Not A Stock” on the rear.

Flux Defense says that it is compatible with most light, but recommends that users not to it use on TLR-H1 and similar Streamlight models.

Honest Outlaw got a review of this if you're looking for a review:

It’s an expensive brace as it costs US$259.00 with the optional Flux Brace Holster priced at US$89.00. It cannot be used with the Gen 1 to 3 Pistols. No idea if it can be installed on the airsoft Glock pistols without some modification.

Existing rifles in the U.S. Army can be turned into “Smarter” Weapons with the Intelligent Rail from T-Worx, a subsidiary of Prototype Productions.  The product has been tested and approved under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), and T-Worx.

Shortened as the I-Rail, T-Worx describes it as a software and hardware platform that can be fitted seamlessly in weapon. Once installed, it provides centralized power and data analytics to that can assist in improving operator performance and safety. Benefits are enhanced control, reduced fatigue, and increase in agility and performance.

The I-Rail also addresses the U.S. Army’s Number One warfighting challenge, which is a lack of situational awareness among soldiers and commanders in complex battlefield conditions. With the I-Rail it powers, connects, and communicates data securely from rifles and accessories to command centers on and off the battlefield.

“Anything critical to the modernization of warfighters’ weaponry, safety and lives must be tested in an environment similar to where it will be deployed and in consideration of additional Department of Defense use,” said executive chairman Devin Schain in a press put out by the company last January 18, 2019.

With the certification, T-Worx can be allowed to provide support to the competitors in the upcoming Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program which is the U.S. Army’s search for a new weapon that can fire bullets that can defeat body armor of potential enemies as the present 5.56mm around is found to be inadequate against new body armor.

Schain added noted that, “We are proud to work with the U.S. Army team supporting its small arms modernization efforts. The company is poised to help make a difference in modern warfare and real-time intelligence of the American warfighter.”

It’s always fascinating to spot upcoming technologies that can be used with firearms at the SHOT Show and the keyword nowadays is “Smart” or “Intelligent.”  For SHOT Show 2019, we reported about the T-Worx Intelligent Rail and for this weekend, it’s about a “Smart” sight.

For this generation of swiping, smartphone crazy users, an Israeli company has developed what is says to be the “most powerful sight system in the world.”

The Sensight SSR400 is a next-generation digital rifle sight that smartphone users or even gamers can be familiar with as compared to traditional shooters or hunters due to its features such as a wide viewscreen and touch-screen operation. It has a 1.3-20x zoom capability and has a trademarked “Eye-Relief-Free” display. The display allows the shooter to have both eyes while zooming the sight.

It has dual cameras that can provide up to 20x magnification, 1080P recording, and low-light sighting capability. This gives a hi-resolution image in daylight and even in low-light conditions. With the touchscreen, the shooter can swipe the magnification at 3x, 5x, 8x, 12x, 16x and 20x with the reticle type selectable from the screen.

Being a digital-smartphone style sight, it has connectivity features too with Wifi allowing you to stream from the Sensight to your iPhone or Android phone and shared on social media. It also has ballistic calculator, 3D gyroscope, and GPS. It just makes me wonder if it has Snapchat and Facebook also installed so I can instantly share what the sight has captured with its cameras from it rather from my smartphone.

For now the Sensight is being marketed to recreational shooters and there is no mention if it will be promoted as suitable or military use. Interested shooters or hunters can signify their interest to order one at the Sensight website, and the initial pricing is at  around US$1,000 and will be available in the Spring.

There’s nothing more to say really but for the readers of Popular Airsoft and airsoft players worldwide, if they have not voted yet, today is their last chance to cast their votes for the 9th Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards. If you allow me to say, it’s the final countdown for airsoft’s biggest online event.

If you want to cast your vote now,  click on the button below to get to the Voting Page:

For the finalists, this is it, the final day of reckoning. They’ve got to go all out, guns blazing, to get whatever votes remaining in their categories, 25 of them; or they can sit back and relax confident that they already have award in the bag. But to be honest, it’s best to rally the troops and get the votes as it betters the chance for a win.

So, for the finalists who want to get the glory, then it’s now or never. It’s the last day for campaigning for those votes. Good luck to all of you!

Remember, when you cast your vote, you the chance to enter in the raffle draw and win one of these lovely raffle prizes. If you have nominated and voted, you get your name entered into the raffle draw twice, a better chance a winning any of these lovely prizes from our sponsors:

Airsoft guns from Tokyo Marui:

TOKYO MARUI MTR16 GAS BLOWBACK RIFLE

TOKYO MARUI JGSDF TYPE 89 GAS BLOWBACK RIFLE

TOKYO MARUI M&P9L PC PORTED GAS BLOWBACK PISTOL

For the Europe-based airsoft player, raffle prize sets from Gunfire and Specna Arms:

SET 1

SA-V26 Assault Rifle Replica Specna Arms - RED EDITION
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms RED GUN
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SET 2:

Carabine Replika Specna Arms SA-C09 CORE - HALF-TAN
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms RED GUN
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SET 3:

Blast Plate Carrier Tactical Vest Primal Gear
Buff Armored Claw
Patch Specna Arms Carbine - tan
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Military 1st also sent in two raffle prizes:

HELIKON RATEL MK2 BACKPACK SHADOW GREY

PENTAGON KYLER BACKPACK WOLF GREY

Please always take time to visit our sponsors as their support is very much valuable in making the awards possible:

Bettere get those votes coming in and help us find the winners of the 9th Airsoft Players' Choice Awards.

If you are going to the IWA Outdoor Classics 2019 in Nuremberg, Germany, better block off your 1300-1600H on Sunday, the 10th of March as it is going to be your date with the Airsoft Industry, Airsoft Community, and the Airsoft Media for the 8th Airsoft Meetup.

The Airsoft Meetup of the IWA & Outdoor Classics, organised by NLAirsoft.com and Popular Airsoft, has become a tradition in which you get to see the who’s who in airsoft, especially in Europe, up close and personal. The IWA & Outdoor Classics has the bigger number of airsoft industry attendees, bigger than the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, so if you are in the airsoft business, it is an important trade event in your calendar.

The Airsoft Meetup is where you get to see various industry and community speakers speak in one room and in a formal setting undisturbed from the noise of the exhibition floor. Whilst, it is great to see presentations at the booths, the Airsoft Meetup is where there are more revealed, and more topics on issues that can affect the airsoft community are discussed.

Interested speakers, if there are still slots open, can contact NLAirsoft.com to signify their intention to become part of this year’s speaker’s pool. But we highly recommend that you submit your slides, which are required for your presentation, ahead of time so they can be checked to avoid technical issues during the actual presentation.

The seats are also limited to 100 so better book your seats now by going to the Airsoft Meetup website. With just a month to go, it’s always a good thing to get your slots now this early. The tickets are free so don’t you worry, your attendance is more than welcome.

So don’t forget to get your tickets and see you in Germany next month. Here are the details in case you want to write them down:

Airsoft Meetup 2019
IWA Outdoor Classics 2019
10 March 2019
1300 to 1600H
Hong Kong Room (NCC Ost/East)
Nuremberg, Messe
www.airsoftmeetup.com

The organisers of the largest airsoft event in Latin America, WarZone Brazil, are now starting preparations. 2a1 Cenografia, the company behind this event, have set the event for the 15th to 17th of November 2019 in Aruja city, which is located in the state of São Paulo. Last year, it was held in September.

The event is an international one and many players in South America, especially from Argentina and Chile, will be participating in this event. If you are looking for another airsoft experience outside North America, Asia, or Europe, then we recommend WarZone Brazil as part of your airsoft bucket list.

Since it’s still many months in the future for this event, it’s time to start saving up for this event. After that, it’s party time wherever you want to go in Brazil.

We’ll let 2a1 Cenografia tell more about this event with this press release they sent us:

Biggest Latin America Airsoft Event Returns to Brazil in November
Aruja City will receive over one thousand players betwen November 15 and 17

The Warzone, the largest event of airsoft in the américas is back. The 2a1, a company specialized in solutions for scenographies and organizer of the event, has confirmed the second edition of the game betwen november 15 and 17, in Aruja city, São Paulo State.

According to the organization, there will be new features in the game, like the inclusion of a new army, thus forming four operator groups. Besides, there will be more players this time. Over one thousand operators are expected to be in the battlefield. This amount makes Warzone the largest airsoft event in américas and the third one in the world.

“We are impressed with the magnitude that Warzone has been achieving. Competitor all over américa has been confirming their presence. Plus, the 2018 edition is running for the best aisoft event in the world”, analyzes Caio Paulino, marketing manager at 2a1 scenography, company responsible for the organization of the event.

A sample of the success of the Warzone first edition was the sold out in less than four hours of the over one thousand tickets that were available for purchase on the internet. Now, The players who wish to join the game can find tickets in the physical stores only. Click here and check the licensed places for tickets purchase.

The game will take place at same location of the last year edition, in a over 3-million square metre area. Like the 2018 edition, the event will provide infrastructure and special scenarios in order to create immersive missions for player, simulating a close-to-real conflict zone. “We will provide to the player 10 combat vehicles and one helicopter for special operations, says Paulino.

The warzone is disputed in milsim mode and the players will be divided into four armies: Santa Ana, Domus Dei, Leogrado e Dolsen, each with its own history and singularity and the player are able to subscribe to the one that is more suitable for them. The four grouping will attend to the exodus mission, that features a new plot, speacially created for the event. “Altogether, there will be 44 hours of game, creative plot, military vehicles, scenographics cities, cities, so that we can get as close to reality as possible”, says Paulino.

There will also be in the event a full leisure and entertainment structutre. While participants make incursions, family members who do not want join the game are allowed to relax in the pools, have some food at the food Plaza and participate in monitored activities for children. “2ª1 supports sports in which loyalty, honor, fellowship among athletes are the premises”, adds Paulino.

Keynotes:

Date: November 15 to 17
Place: Rua Esmeria Maria Rodrigues, S/N, Arujá – São Paulo
Registration: www.warzonebr.com.br

Important: We will not rent weaponry and clothing for Brazilians. Weapons will be made available for rental only to athletes from other countries.

About 2a1 Cenografia

With almost 2,000 activities realized all over Brazil, 2a1 is a specialist in scenography solutions of the most diverse themes. Founded in 1999, the company is nowadays one of the largest in the scenographic segment and the only one to produce end-to-end events, from the preparation of scenarios to the logistics and assembly. The company offers a full line of exhibitions, services, promotions and recreations for shopping malls. In 2015, a branch of the company was created in the Northeast, in Salvador. The 2a1 is part of the ND / C group, also owned by Dgital, Nótice and Imaginatex.