Cheap, tatty, but oh so practical, Decktrons new bag - 27-01-2012

Ok, so myself and Carmont are in town today picking up a couple of new toys and I see this beauty. It was love at first sight and I needed it, so I got it, I've been looking at grab bags for a while and nothing really struck me. How ever I'm a sucker for a bargain and at £8 for this respirator bag my imagination ran wild.

So for a quick run down of the guts of this bag. First up there's a flap that has a pocket you can fit a BFG in along with a few blanks or something else you don't want to get wet. Then there's two pockets on either side with a divider that can be un Velcro'd for larger objects but with divider they're perfect for bottles of water, radios, smoke grenades, m203 shells, tornado grenade, cans of coke, what ever you want. The main compartment has enough room (when filled with bottles of water, m203s etc) to fit 7 or 8 M4 magazines and at a rough guesstimate 5 or 6 AK mags.

So here it is loaded with 5 M4 mags, 1 bottle of water, a smoke grenade, gp68 pmr, and a tin of deodorant pretending to be an m203 shell, in the closable pocket I've put an orange in because I don't have a BFG at hand.

So seeing as I've put my PMR in the main compartment I decided to set up my PTT so I can run my bowman.

To make sure that the wires didn't get in the way of the magazines I ran them through some loops on the back of the bag.

there's another pocket on the side that you can shove an M4 mag in (magpul optional) for quick reloads for when you're caught with your pants down.

A mod the previous owner done to this bag was to attach carabina clip to a loop at the bottom to attach to a belt loops to avoid the bad swinging about when running which in my opinion is genius.

In conclusion I'm more than happy with this purchase and the fact that for £8 I can carry a days worth of skirmish gear in a surprisingly convenient package. Definitely going to be running this at SWAT this weekend. 

Buy your own here http://www.action-station.co.uk/hardware-and-kit/miscellaneous-army-surplus-mil/showitem-RESPIRATOR-BAG.aspx at £9.50 online including postage it's a steal.

Thanks for reading

Decktron.

*Update*

So I used this at SWAT Urban on Sunday and it held its own, all round, seeing into the bag was slightly difficult to see into the bag whith goggles on. The bag didn't flap around thanks to the clip and it held enough mags for a few hours of fighting. It didn't get in the way of my one point sling either. I'd happily pay twice as much for this. The only problem is that it was sometimes difficult to get mags back in after reloads. Next game I'm just going to use it as a dump pouch in conjunction with my FSBE.

Beginners guide to airsoft - 26-01-2012

Marksman's Guide to airsoft.

The Beginners Guide To Airsoft
In this guide I will be writing to try and help people who are new to the sport and help them to make the correct decisions.

Before you go off and start buying anything, the best thing to do is to go and play a few games first, that'll let let you know how you want to play and if it is something that you are sure that you want to spend money on- an believe me this is not a cheap sport.

YOUR GUN

Now it is first important to understand that getting a specialist rifle, such as a sniper rifle is NOT a good idea as you may quickly become bored or annoyed at not having the adaptability of assault rifles.

This is undoubtedly the part of your kit that you want the most, and it’s important to choose the right one for you as you will be using this lot, you should take time choosing one that right for you

There are many types of guns, as you should already know, but choosing a good gun to start with narrows it down a bit. Ideally you need one where you can easily get spares and upgrades very easily. You also will need magazines that are readily availaible, so the following rifles are probably the best to start with:

M16/M4's
http://t0.gstatic.co...cVfwC_DL0yW_C4Q

G36's


MP5's
http://t3.gstatic.co...3i4SQRRGbkVriHQ

AK47's.
http://t0.gstatic.co...uFiVVL8onisS75g

You should NOT get a gbbr (gas blowback rifle) for your first gun as they require more maintenance and looking after than AEG's (automatic electric guns), and as such are not advisable

These are guns recommended to new players.

The low end, cheap recommended makes are:

For M4's: Classic Army Sportline, ICS plastic series, G&G

For G36's: SRC, Jing Gong

For MP5's: Classic Army Sportline, Jing Gong, G&G

For AK's: Classic Army Sportline, G&G, Cyma


These are all good versions of each of the guns that won't hurt the wallet, but be aware that they won't be up to the same standards as their more expensive versions.

Magazines
You need to decide what mags (magazines) you want- low, mid or high capacity.

High caps have wheels on the bottom that you have to wind but you get much more rounds in them normally between 300 and 450

Mid caps have no winding, but are loaded from a speed loader and hold from 75 to around 150

And lows have no winding, but are loaded from a speed loader and hold from around 30-50

Batteries
Batteries should also be taken into consideration, do you want a larger one that'll last all-day but need a large place to put it (solid stock etc.) or smaller ones that don't need a full stock or to be seen.
Larger batteries are often put inside full, solid stock whereas the smaller types are normally kept in handguards.
you will also here about Lipo's (lithium polymer batteries)- I personnaly do not recommend these for beginners.

A standard, mini type battery
http://t2.gstatic.co...qBbC91zD_kXW1xw

Your physical size maybe a point to look at, if you’re small, an mp5 maybe better for you than a full stock m4 or AK47

SNIPER RIFLES
I cant stress this enough, getting a sniper rifel for your first gun isn't a great idea, it greatly limits the possibilities of what you can do with your gun and leaves you with one option- to snipe.
This is bad for new players as it is slow and you need a lot of patience, it is also frustrating being able to only use single shot guns. Most people get bored of them after 1 or two games and then have to pay more to get another AEG.

That's enough for rifles for now; let's move on to pistols, and handguns

PISTOLS
Ok firstly it is important to note that getting a pistol as a beginner it won’t see much use unless you set out to use it, so unless you desperately you should spend any money you have for a pistol on either A, a better rifle or B magazines/batteries/accessories for your primary weapon.

There are many makes of pistols, as well as variants and designs. Again if you are choosing a pistol you should spend time thinking about what type and model you want. The models for pistols i reccomend are m1911's and Hi-capa's, these have a lot of after market support, should something go wrong

M1911
http://t0.gstatic.co...g-yVdmAVm4DpbZU

Tokyo Marui, are usually a very good choice when it comes to pistols. When it comes to reliability they are second to none, however expect to pay more than you would for other makes to get one. They normally have plastic slides but they are great quality and plastic slides are often far more reliable.

WE, one of the cheaper makes of pistols are often praised for being cheap but maintaining a good quality for their price. Most of these are also full metal, including the slide unlike tm. This means there will be more kick- due to the weight but less economic with gas, using more for each shot.

Socom Gear, This company makes some great pistols, they are normally upgraded versions of the WE pistols, however, expect to have to pay for it.

Ammunition

The BB's you choose to use can affect the performance of your gun, and it is a good idea to try different weights and brands to find the best for you

Firstly, never use any weight below 0.2g, they will be lower quality and not as good

0.2g are the lightest, and cheapest but are affected by wind and other background conditions more than heavier ones
The heavier they are the less theyre affected by other conditions like rain etc, but after some point, the weight will decrease range
I normally find that 0.25 provide the optimum performance and range- however obviously there will be people who disagree, and that's because different guns like different weights.

Another thing with choosing your ammo is the make/brand. I would suggest the madbull and excel bb's and these are my most used and trusted makes. Excel is widely believed to be the best make of bb's. Blaster, also make very high quality bb's

Glasses, goggles and face protectors.

This is the single most important piece of kit you will own, do not buy cheap.
We were all new once, so I understand people not wanting to fork out on expensive face protection as it can be expensive.
Do not be lead down this road, you only get one pair of eyes, dont risk them by using rubbish face protection

The safety ratings/marking you should have on the eyeware are: ANSI Z87 (US Safety rating) or EN166 (European Rating also known as BS EN 166:2002) This will show that they have been approved and safe for usd

For glasses ESS ice 2.4, or 3.0 both are brilliant and not too expensive.


If you would prefer to wear goggles I reccomend the ESS V12's

Masks, I don't think masks with plastic Windows are helpful, they tend to steam up and be a pain, I suggest using the black bear mesh masks as I have seen them shrug off multiple high powered shots in quick succession and that is what a good masks should be capable of

Brands to look at: ESS, Bulle, Guarder, Heroshark, Black bear
I cannot stress this enough. SAFETY first, safety is the most important thing to remember

Boots

These are another extremely important item that should not be skimped out on, they will save your ankles someday, I believe that everyone has different tastes in boots etc, so I can't say the single best make.

What I would do is try waking boots, anything with good ankle support and/or head to your local army surpluses store and check their stuff out,
I find magnums to be of very good quality, however so looking at them may be a good idea for you.

Tactical vests, rigs and equipment

If you are new and just starting, the best vest for you I think will be a viper vest, they are cheap at less than £30 but will do the job until you fork out for a higher end product.

I have seen many of the older players using these and I have used one myself, I believe these easily sort out this problem.

this is a viper vest you can get for £20-30
http://t3.gstatic.co...Ud7V4fhWaJJzpHA

Combats/bdu's (battle dress uniform)

Quite simple really, head to your local surplus store and pick up some dpms (disruptive pattern material)- the british army style which can be found very cheap, look on ebay too.

If you want a specific type of camo, Google is your friend.

Look on land warrior airsoft too as they have some very uncommon unique camo styles on there for decent prices. These are good for teams to looks unique and as a group as most of these are not bought by most people. Most tend to buy multicam/dpm etc.

DPM ubacs (under body armour combat shirt)
http://www.premiersu...&ref=0634&save=

Thanks for reading.

Marksman

Marcus Parker - New Blogger 26-01-2012

So guys short post today, we have a new member on the PTGairsoft blog team.


He's called Marcus 'Marksman' Parker, and will be contributing towards the posts. And from what I know his first post will be a nice little guide for beginners.  


Check out his bio http://ptgairsoft.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html


Thanks for reading 


Carmont

Contour 1080p HD 24-01-2012

So, as some of you may already know, we are going to be getting hold of some Contour 1080p HD cameras, so we can get game footage for your entertainment.

One of these little beauties.

At first we will only have the one camera (owned by Carmont) which will be mainly mounted as a head cam, but will also have the option of mounting it as a gun cam. Logic says that when your taking a building, or an area where there are hostiles, you would have your gun up and ready to fire, we are going to utilize this and hopefully get you some good action footage while not having to look at the ground 90% of the time.


Now over time, we are looking to acquire maybe 1 or 2 more mountable cameras (most likely Contours) so we can give you a much wider spectrum of gaming, from all different angles.


If you have any tips on using a Head/Gun Cam, or is there is a viewing style that you prefer (Once again head/gun cam) please let us know in the comment, or alternatively, send us an E-mail (our address can be found in the Contact us page)


Carmont

Highs and lows of Shot Show. 22-01-2012

OK so during what I seen of Shot Show I saw some awesome products as well as some items that made me lose a little faith in man kind. I may touch on some of the really bad things in another post but for now I'm just gonna list some stuff I'm excited about.

• The Magpul PDR, was seen at Shot Show last year as a non working prototype and again this year as a working prototype. This is going to be one of my definite purchases this year as I love myself a CQB weapon.
• THE MOTHER FLIPPIN' KWA KRISS!!!!!! Now in case you've just been defrosted here's a bit of info. This is one that splits people due to it being featured in a certain FPS game, how ever it was in a episode of Future Weapons donkey's years ago. Again another definite purchase.
• Now here's one Carmont is in love with and I sure can admire, deep breath party people, ASYMMETRIC WARRIOR® ASW338LM Precision Sniper Rifle System, I know very little about this apart from it looks cool and I probably won't buy one but I wouldn't blame anyone for doing so.
• KWA Makarov, now I'm not that big on Russian weapons but i'd defiantly pick one up one day.
• CZ Scorpion, some space age SMG that Carmont will be more than happy to fill people in on, would look mighty fine with a Five seveN. 

Curious to hear what everyone else is excited about in the heavily underused comments section.

Peace out

Decktron 

The Airsoft Exchange 20-01-2012

Hello again guys, just wanted to do a little post about a brilliant forum we have been using recently.


It's called The Airsoft Exchange, TAE for short. 
It has been live now for a few months, and I personally have been using it for roughly a month now, and have really enjoyed being apart of the community.


It is run by a really good bunch of lads, who know how to have a laugh with the game, but also know their stuff. I have learnt quite a lot thanks to their tutorials that are created by other members of the forum, and also laugh my socks off at the banter that goes on.


The layout and design of the website it extremely user friendly, to the point where a technophobe would be able to get around and use the forum with ease.


The mod's on there are really friendly and patient, and are very quick to reply to any queries you may have. Also they let you have freedom of speech (with in reason) you can name any retailers you want to, unlike some other forums, where they are 'associated' with a retailer and ban any talk of the competition.


So why not give it a go, and discover a brilliant ad active airsoft community. I did, and haven't looked back. 


Click the TAE banner below to go over to their website.


Carmont

ICS M1 Garand AEG 19-01-12

So I saw something mentioned on a retailers Facebook page about an M1 Garand AEG and just didn't quite believe it, I thought it may have just been something mentioned by someone who walked a guys dog or what not, until Evike posted this. For those of you who don't want to or cannot be bothered sitting through an Evike video for various reasons here's the low down:

• It's going to be using an M14 gearbox so if you're familiar with one of them you're in luck.
• There's going to be an affordable imitation wood stock version and a pricey wood stock version.
• It's going to hold more than 8 rounds.
• Adjustable hop up.
• Large type battery in the stock.
• Semi auto only (like the real thing)

Personally I'm sortta excited about this as the M1 Garand AEG would be perfect for WW2 players as well as 'Nam Softers who are going for an early 'Nam load out. I'll post more info as I hear about it. I'm glad Evike posted the video.

Decktron.

*Update*

It's going to be 8mm, sortta disappointing.

News Update - KWA Kriss Vector GBB 17-01-12

So this is what everyone has been waiting for! The KWA Kriss Vector GBB.

We have all been drooling over the thought of owning one of these since KWA announced it at Shot Show 2011, and now that the Shot Shot 2012 is kicking off, KWA have released much sought after pictures and information on this outstanding piece of kit!


Here is a post that the guys at KWA posted on their Facebook

KWA Kriss Vector GBB

‎"KWA Unveiled The KRISS Vector GBB Plus Updates New Product Pricing And Availability

Las Vegas, NV and City of Industry, CA – January 17th, 2012 – KWA unveiled the highly anticipated KRISS Vector GBB and updated pricing and availability for new products at the 2012 Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The previously announced TT-33, HK45, 945C pistols as well as the upcoming AKR ERG (Electric Recoil Gun) Series have passed field-testing and are in production for a spring release.
SHOT Show 2012 attendees who visit the KWA booth at SHOT (Booth 20515 – Level 2 Law Enforcement & Tactical Gear Section) will get a sneak peek of the near-production KWA KRISS Vector GBB prototype. The KWA KRISS Vector GBB is the exclusive training counterpart to the .45 ACP KRISS Vector submachine gun and mimics every feature found in the firearm, including the patented KRISS Super V system. Law enforcement and military professionals will appreciate the authentic replication of the external controls down to the field stripping procedures. The KWA KRISS Vector is undergoing extensive field-testing, with production and delivery scheduled for this summer. Street price for the KWA KRISS Vector GBB is estimated to be below $400."


So for us in the UK we are looking at paying anywhere from £260 to around 
£320 at a guess. Which in my honest opinion is a steal for this gun.

We really like the different fire modes they have added to this gun, Single shot, 2 round burst and fully automatic. and it has a separate safety lever. 
Also we have noticed the serial number, which seems to be unique, but we can't tell for sure. It also has a functioning bolt catch which im sure all you milsim junkies out there will love.


All in all this looks like a really nice product by KWA, and I can't wait to get my dirty little mits on one of these. and will be bringing you guys a full in depth review when they are released!


We will keep you guys posted with any upcoming information on this product.


* Disclaimer* All photos in this post are property of KWA, as is the information posted on facebook.


Carmont


*Update*


According to this video mags will hold 50 rounds unlike the previous video that wrongly stated 70 rounds, whilst 70 rounds would be awesome, 50 rounds is still a nice amount for CQB which is usually played semi auto only. Also has anyone noticed the two screws under the charging handle? I think they'll be bringing out add on rails too.

Update v2:

KWA have released some spcifications on the Kriss Vector.

Specification

• Overall Length (Retracted) = 40 cm [15.75"]
• Overall Length (Extended) = 63 cm [24.80"]
• Overall Height = 17.5 cm [6.89"]
• Inner Barrel Diameter = 6.05 mm
• Weight = 2.83 kg [6.24 lbs]
• Caliber = 6 mm
• Magazine Capacity = 24 [50] rounds
• Rate of Fire = 20+ RPS
• Velocity = 110-116 MPS [360-380 FPS]
• Energy Output with 0.20g BB = 1.2 Joules
• Gas System = Force Velocity
• Propellant = Gas

Special Features

• Adjustable Hop-Up
• Folding Stock
• Accessory Rails
• Semi, 2 round burst, and full auto select fire
• Closed Bolt, simulated KRISS Super V System delayed-blowback
• Fiber reinforced polymer upper and lower receiver
• Aluminum alloy inner frame
• Realistic construction and field stripping

Decktron's Vest set up, Bulle FSBE 12-01-12

 So here we have my vest, same old vestin the video here but a different set up, this is for the up coming game at SWAT Urban  as it's my first game in what feels like ages (a month haha) and I'm far to stoked for it and have been sorting out all of my kit (more about that later).

 The vest it's self is extremely well made, a fair amount of MOLLE (seen more, and seen a lot less, just wait for my next vest review) being Bulle the quality is what you'd expect (good) and the colour is spot on unlike some of my pouches on it.

So here's the general lay out, TMC open top mag pouches for a total of 8 m4 mags, g-code holster for my WE 1911, admin pouch with element PTT, name tapes, and pork eating crusader patch (a tad un P.C but I do enjoy eating pork and crusading), and Condor pistol mags. You can also see my replica bowman headset to the left as well as my dog who decided he wanted to be in the picture.

Round the back is my TMC radio pouch with my GP68 which is used by the rest of the team, Here you can see the Tan Bowman replica.

Here is a better view of my G-Code holster (may do a better review as it is a piece of kit I haven't seen in the UK despite the reasonable price and insane build quality, there's a video of this thing being run over). It's Kydex made, has a quick release feature, allows a full grip when drawing pistol and is just plain nice. 

Here we have a better view of the PTT which is there because I lost the clip on the back of it. The comms set up is still to be tested as I have extremely bad luck with everything electric (M4 is a perfect example) and therefore haven't had a chance to use the PTT or Bowman, however Alias has a similar comms set up and has found it reliable. I like to run an admin pouch so I can keep money, keys and stuff where I know it is as well as showing off patches :P

Overall the vest itself is spot on and this set up has used almost all of the MOLLE on the front whilst not being too to heavy, for extra support I've inserted polystyrene SAPI plates just to make it a tad more rigidity. This is just a general guy with a gun set up, nothing to fancy, practical for outdoor play (lots of ammo) and light enough for CQB play which is perfect for SWAT Area 51 as games usually go from outdoor to indoor. 

Decktron update here 11-01-12

I'm well versed in how to run blogs due to other blogging ventures that will more than likely be no interest to you, so I'm gonna pull my finger out for the first time in months and help out with PTG airsoft. Carmont has the necessary brain cells to up date the blog however I thought I'd chip in now and then.

So I'm Decktron, also known as Deck, been a member of PTG for a while now and was also in the first video. Right now I'm getting all stoked for SWAT at the end of this month. Stoked for finally getting this M4 fixed soon (more about that later). And the fact I'll soon own an M203 (it's like becoming a man, but more balls). 

So as for the M4, I bought an M4 cqbr, rails up the wazoo, Magpul fancy pants parts and stuff and it looks really pretty. How ever it's all fur coat and no knickers and the bugger doesn't fire. My limited knowledge is saying wiring, buttttttt, I DON'T HAVE A CLUE ABOUT INTERNALS. I'm not like Carmont, internals scare me, I don't have any disposable income, I cannot risk buggering up this AEG for life, I don't wanna know about internals. In the eternal words of people with more money than sense, I'll get the guy to have a look at it. Oh and it's a G&P, PTG+G&P=Disaster.

I've got quite a bit of new kit since the player profile so long a go and look forwards to showing it off tomorrow, the kit ranges from the gucci to the rag tag. But I must go for my bed beckons. Peace out.

  

Carmonts Gear Update 11-01-12

Time to update you on the gear that I have obtained over the last few months while we've been inactive and as you can see, there is quite a bit, albeit no where near as much as some other guys that I know.

So what I had been playing with for the most part was my chest rig and M4, but now I have a nice few options of how I want to play.

So firstly, my guns, as I know that's what most of you will be interested in.

I have the following and will be doing individual reviews in the future;

-Custom G&P M4 Sentry with multiple attachments.

I have attached to this a G&P 553 EoTech replica, G&P Blackwater Silencer, G&G Tac Light, Stubby ForeGrip and finally 2 x Dragon scale rail covers.

Most of the internals are stock, apart from the cylinder, piston head and hop rubber which are all Ultimate upgrade parts just to get that better air seal.

I run this on a 7.4v 1300mAh Lipo Battery which give it a nice ROF.

I've had more trouble with this RIF than I care to divulge in.

-Custom TM M14 DMR

This gun I purchased from a forum classified section, so cant really tell you much about it, apart from the fact I am very pleased with this purchase. 

-WE Socom Gear 1911, I got this from LandWarriorAirsoft along with the G&P Sentry, and it is a really nice looking piece of kit, it came with two 15rnd magazines, pistol lanyard (which I have misplaced) and a silencer adapter. It served me well and the second game of Firefly Bad Apple that F&O Hosted at The armoury.

-KWA Glock 17, this is a gun I also got from a forum classified section and it was a bargin. I haven't skirmished with it yet, but I have put a few mags through it and it is beautiful. It came with four 26rnd (if i'm not mistaken) magazines and the little hop key and a BlackHawk Serpa holster.

So now that's out of the way i'm just going to list the other products that I have purchased as it is getting late and I need my beauty sleep.

Gun Bag (Technically not a gun bag but hold an M4 Perfectly) Free of charge

2 x 7.4v 1300mAh Lipo - I believe these were £13 each

Custom TM M14 DMR - £380

Custom G&P M4 Sentry - Value is currently around £635 including all the bits on and in it

4 x M14 Hicap - Included in the M14 price

5 x King arms 120rnd Midcap - Included in the M4 Price

1x G&P 130rnd Midcap - Included in the M4 Price

Viper 1 point bungee sling tan - £15

Fobus 1911 holster with paddle attachment - £11

Socom Gear WE 1911 w/ mags - £170

KWA Glock 17 w/ mags - £140

Viper drop leg pistol holster - £11

ACM Tactical CIR /w assorted pouches - £70

BlackHawk Serpa holster for glock with molle attach - Included in the Glock price

Element Bowman replica /w ptt - Unsure

Assorted safty glasses - Unsure

Strike systems hard knuckle gloves - £25

G&P Delta style red dot - £40

Techlite tac light - £10

Water canteen - £6ish

Belt mounted dump pouch - £10

TMC Chest rig w/ radio pouch - £25

Gp68 radio - £35

So it's not the best review of my gear, but I will happily do more in depth reviews of certain pieces should people request them.

here are a few pics of the above kit.

My collection.

My rifles

My Babies

My Rig

My Chest Rig