This purchase was the result of a deliberated conversation between myself and my Airsoft colleague 'Kwoksan' which covered all the finer points of an arsenal spread. The main contention factors being bang for buck and not to end up with any gun with the same engine/firing mechanism. Although i really like the SD line of MP5 the MP5A5 won out due to being brand new out (December 2009 release) employing a brand new high cycle motor capable of firing 25 BB's per second, and having a drum magazine capacity up to 400, which let you fire off approx 200 rounds per spring wind.
The 8.5V battery which powers the unit sits under the front hand grip and was a little akward to fit and close, but really the only issue I can point out. I found that the battery power more than adequate for a shoot session and recharged quite quickly. A very interesting feature is that the barrel tip has a reverse thread which you can unscrew to attach a silencer to go full black-ops and it is this attention to detail which makes you even happier with said purchase.
The sights are accurate out of the box and adjustable on the back, although i left mine full open due to the fast paced nature of this submachine gun didn't tend to much sniping activites. This gun is both accurate and able to make mince meat out of the paper range targets and has a decent kick for an electric offering. The groupings were spot on and often saw the BB going through the first hole made with such raw firepower, whichever way you go you cant loose with this one!
Results:
Design 9/10 although plastic, very solid in design and offering, quite close to original.
Accuracy 9.5/10 this holds true the original HK heritage and is not only accurate but versatile in aiming.
Feel 9/10 has a nice kick for an electric, would be interested in how a high cycle gas model would compare?
Fun 9/10 if youre gunna spend this much money on a submachine gun BB airsoft, why settle for less when the price is the same as the older generation component models? One satisfied customer o'er here!
This gun ended up being my first gas operated airsoft pistol after much deliberation against the Tokyo Marui electric offering, I opted for this model to get as much exposure to different firing mechanisms and after learning that the Tokyo Marui engine was same in their Glock 18C to the Mac10 and the MP7, it made sense to try something a little different, especially as I had already purchased the Mac10!
As soon as I gassed this little beauty up, I learnt my first lesson that it doesnt like to run cold and can be prone to gas blowouts/freezovers, and this was during winter in Japan, the ambient temperature wasn't helping any. On the flipside, once the gas in the mag had been heated up by hairdryer, the raw power of the blowback was amazing.
The design is the same as the original, you have to cock back the slide and select up for for full auto, middle for safety and down for single shot. It is worth noting that the slide will only come off when the safety is perfect middle and in this sense can be a little fiddly when it comes to maintenance. The slide on mine seemed to get stuck just shy of cocked when using the slide release, may be due to the brutal punishment i gave mine and would be interested to get feeback off other owners to see if they have similar issues with theirs. The one final issue is the first feeding BB seemed to get stuck and required the mag spring catch to be clicked up which was annoying prior to shoot.
All issues aside this quickly became my favorite Airsoft gun mainly due to the realistic action and recoil/blowback, the best way to describe this gun it feels authentic and is way fun to operate. On full auto the aim was attrocious, and the groupings incoherent. On single shot the aim was decent but saw most of its time on Full Auto as you may as well get a Glock 17 Tokyo Marui Gas model for single shot lovin' the strange thing was the hire model at Echigoya also fired full auto and that was a suprise to say the least!
In regard to mods it was a bit touch and go due to overwhelming poplarity of Tokyo Marui aftermarket parts and the KSC mods available seemed to pale in comparison, mostly as stock of available mods ran out or not stocked. The end result i was quite happy with the red dot sight, and the laser pointer was way cool, unfortunately ran out of time to dial them both in to accurate target, the rail had to be modded as the picaniny rail was too shallow on the bottom to hold the laser, and unlike the Glock17 Tokyo Marui Gas model there was no hole in the back of the grip to attach the aftermarket properly, although it seemed to fit by a hair.
Results:
Design 7.5/10 let down by the issues above
Accuracy 6/10 not what i would choose if marksmanship is your fortay, if shootemup then go for it!
Feel 9/10 had a solid feel and realism in full auto that is yet to be matched in a competing hand gun
Fun 9/10 lots of good times to be had with this piece in your arsenal
Between the two stores most models of guns and branded accessories are covered. The best thing about Echigoya is marked down pricing on most stock which sees them as the best place to make your initial airsoft gun purchase. Extensive stock of Tokyo Marui, with smaller stock of KSC and Maruzen etc. For gun bags/holsters/holders, tactical gear also a decent range. They also have a small workshop area for modifications, there is a ton of aftermarket parts for the Tokyo Marui range, would like to see a wider range of KSC aftermarket mods in stock when i return, and yes i'll be baaack!
Target Range:
The target range at Echigoya Okubo is excellent with 3 x 10m lanes and 1 x 5m speed shoot lane.
Very friendly atmosphere and camaraderie to be had here, the local airsoft community here know how to have a good time and I found them to be most helpful to overseas visitors such as myself.
A choice of adjustable range position paper clipped target, static target, number systems and star wars!
Asobit City
Shop:
A very good display case style showroom, but did not find as much stock on shelf as Echigoya.
Pricing was also more expensive. There was aftemarket accessories available such as 9 ball Laylax
and also appeared to be a small workshop area next to the counter, but when asked if they would fit a 9 ball upgrade package to my Tokyo Marui Mac 10 I got a no service response from the salesperson.
Target Range:
4 x 10m lanes with clip on static target, movable & adjustable round bells and the good ol tin cans!
These lanes are divided by slide nets, and I was lucky enough to be present when the local tacticians amred mainly with M4's of varying descriptions booked the whole range out and joined all lanes into one for a stick and move which included a shot caller yelling out 'move' and 'reload' which put pressure on the combatants to simluate properly.
This range came in handy as they were open right through all christmas and new years holidays, although closing earlier than normal 10pm. Was quite handy for a new years shoot where other ranges were closed for a few days altogether. One area to be warned is unlike Echigoya who have hairdryers for each range, there were none present at Asobit City, there is one powerpoint next to table outside so dont forget to bring your hairdryer if you own a gas blowback pistol or machine gun!
First - Gun & Supplies Pro Shop
Shop:
By the time I got to visit First in Osaka I had purchased three worthy airsoft guns (Tokyo Marui MP5A5HC, Mac 10, KSC Glock 18C) and had been to at least three of four stores in Tokyo so It was going to take alot to impress. Straight away you notice the difference in layout and presentation as these guys are hardcore airsoft modders and have thier own collection of modded Tokyo Marui's on display for sale.
I took my KSC Glock 18C down to see what magic they could work, considering the dominance of Tokyo Marui on Overall presence in both guns accessories and after market mods, they managed to produce a compatible fully adjustable rail attachable laser targetting system manufactured by Hartford Japan , a Nitro.Vo quattro red dot sight, a Freedom Art tactical rail mount system for KSC Glocks.
Also fitted were Kobi hi flow gas valves to both my standard and high capacity magazines. The one dissapointment was that they had sold out of 9 Ball metal recoil spring holder kit for KSC Glock 17/18, was offered a Protec Progressive Rate recoil spring to replace the original, mainting the plastic spring holder for time being. I made a purchase of a new 'Head by KM' barrel with tighter specs which is yet to be fitted.
Target Range
PCM (Pleasant Combat Member) Yokohama
Shop:
Not much in the way of a shop, most guns on display are rentals, but that works in favour of people wanting to try the wide range on display, the do have workshop facilities although looked to be more maintenance than mods, that said these guys dont mind a good ol shoot em up and dont mind you ripping full auto till your mags empty which makes this place cool and hella fun!
Range:
This range is in reverse to all the other ranges in the fact that the 5m speed shoot takes up majority of the space 3+ lane width all for one shoot! On the right hand side is one 10m lane, and strangely enough this wasn't where the action was to be had, check out the video of 5m lane rip ups!
MGC has undergone alot of turbulence over the recent years, but has managed to hang in there due to dedicated Airsofters and model gun makers & collectors, wouldn't be worth my weight in salt if I didnt mention them somewhere in my blog, didnt get a chance to make it there as this one was a couple more hours on the shinkansen past Osaka from Tokyo, so it's on my books as a mission during my next stay.
Ok so now we've covered the basics its time to go for a shoot. Where? I hear you ask. I remember my first time to Tokyo, Japan and it was a little confusing with limited Japanese and no understanding of Japanese written word it comes down to what what your tour guide has booked you or your own adventures coupled with a bit of internet searching and brochure/review reading.
If you do your internet searching and airsoft gun review reading you may come across Tokyo Marui Blogspot where I can become you tour guide and adventure provider!
Now this is part where I must say after a bit of crafty searching and giving the locals a bit of a hard time I made my way to the first of two Echigoya Gun & Military stores in Suehirocho. From here I quizzed what appeared to be the manager who passed me off to one of his english speaking counterparts who gave me a map to Asobit City in Akihabara and a map for the Echigoya store in Okubo, of which turned out to me my two main places for target practice and both have a different setup and feel which I will explain below.
Closest Station: Akihabara JR Station (Yamanote Green Line)
Akihabara Tokyo Metro Station (Hibya Grey Line)
Directions:
If you were to come out to the Akihabara Electric Town exit, you would follow the strip to the left till it ends, take another left and 50 metres down there is Aso Bit City in Seven floors of glory. 6F is Gun shop and also takes registration/booking for the target range on the 7F.
This video is taken from Akihabara Tokyo Metro Station as that was most convenient for me to get there, either way as you can see there is a big block circling the JR station so this range is an easy to find location
Closest Station: Osaka City Subway Nagata Station (Chuo Green Line)
Directions: Proceed out of exit 3 to your right (There should be a Sunkus store if your headed in the correct direction) and head up three or so blocks until you see First store and shooting range on the right hand corner, see below for maps
Closest Station: Sotetsu Rail Wadamachi Station - Connect from Yokohama JR station
Directions: Is not to be confused by the 'Tsutaya' marking on google maps, rest assured this is Wadamachi station. You are pretty much forced onto an overhead bridge which sends you in the right direction which is a small bridge with an overarching 'Wadamachi' sign. Follow this road up and before you hit the end of the road you will notice small signage on the right hand side beckoning you to the third floor of said building for some hardcore airsoft action!
Ok, so you've landed in Tokyo and you're on the hunt for a BB gun. Dont let your exitement get in the way of a few pointers. There are alot of brands, models and types of Airsoft. I will break down the basics so that you may be able to quicker get what you're after from the sport.
Tokyo Marui manufactured in Japan is the premier and original brand of Airsoft. Known for thier quality design in Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) motors and housings which look, feel and operate close to real guns.Very Extensive range and make up the bulk of Airsoft stock on the store shelves in Tokyo.
Now up to thier 8th generation electric motor they have released a new HC (High Cycle) 25 BB's per second, 30,000rpm motor. Two new models using this spec have been released in Dec '09, the MP5 A5 HC & HC G3 SAS models with 400/500 round magazines resepectively. The review of the MP5 A5 HC will be posted up shortly.
KSC
KSC Japan parent company, specialising in Gas Blow Back (GBB) style airsoft. The second most common brand of airsoft to be found on the shelf after Tokyo Marui. If you're after a Gas operated pistol or machine gun look no further. The first thing to be said about every gun in the KSC range is how realistic they are to operate and fire and how much fun they are to own.
Three models which really stick out of the bunch is thier Glock 18C, HK MP7A1 and M93R AUTO9C which you will recall being used by robocop. Review of the Glock 18C and HK MP7A1 to follow.
KSC are also at the centre of mass specualtion and forum posts on the net in regards to thier realtionships to other K branded airsoft guns from other countries outside Japan, especially KWA. I will share a secret in a separate post that not many have come across which will help to shed some light on the matter.
Maruzen
Maruzen, another venerable brand from Japan which is best known for its LA870 shotguns and Walther P99 movie prop gas blow back offering.
Classic Army manufactured in China/Hong Kong also has a very extensive range including the M134-A2 Vulcan Minigun which some of you may remember from the movie Predator!
Kwa's USA counterpart, which sources its guns and parts from KWA in Taiwan. Offers a decent range but is considered OEM as original markings and features may not be present.
Model Specs:
When you go shopping for Airsoft it is important to remember not all guns are created equal.
Most of the writing will be in Japanese, but the important things to look out for are in English.
On the front of the box will be Brand Name of Airsoft Manufacturer and Model of Gun which are easily understandable.
Next thing you will most likely notice is things like:
25M/50M - This is the maximum distance your BB pellets will fly
0.12gBB -0.12gram BB is the default BB and is found for 10 years and older. Used in mni electric and spring pistols. Doesnt go very far and max range tends to be 25m with hop up enhancement
0.20gBB -0.20gram BB is where the fun begins for 18 years and older, and is the standard round for almost all velocity tests. Very commonly found in use on the target range, due to increased accuracy and quality
0.23gBB -0.23gram BB a hybrid between 0.20gram and 0.25gram BB's for people wanting a mix of characteristics between the two most popular types on the market. Comes highly recommended during the tuning (dial in) period of your gun.
0.25gBB -0.25gBB is the heaviest weight for lower powered AEGs blowback and spring guns up to 314fps (1joule). Tokyo Marui AEG, gas, and spring guns are set at the factory for 0.25 gram BB's and a sample of 200 comes in the box. It then depends on what mods have been performed as to accuracy and distance. There are heavier weights which tend to be for Sniper rilfes and certain brands of Airsoft which are designed round custom weights.
xxx10xxx - This means the gun is for 10 years and older, although likely will not be very powerful, full automatic handguns and sub machine guns are available
xxx18xxx - This means the gun is for 18 years and older, this will mean the gun is more realistic, have upgradeable/interchangeable parts, use heavier BB pellets etc.
Spring powered - This is where it all started for Airsoft guns the simple lock, load and shoot.
Gas operated - Either a picture of a symbol on the box will advise if gas operated model. Gas operation provides a more realistic blowback feeling, and is important to notice that due to cold gas filling a BB magazine can mean that the mag becomes so cold it may not fire properly, hence the hairdyers at the range and people warming their mags!
Due to Japanese restrictions the legal gas cannisters are HFC134a. Although in low temperature or modified situations HFC22 otherwise known as 'Green Gas' is more popular due to its higher propellant qualities it can acheive a higher FPS which in turn give the gun more realistic blowback. If using the much vaunted Green Gas best to make sure your gun has had an upgrade of the return spring mechanism and high flow gas valve, and also be aware of your surrounding temperature as if its a stinking hot day you may want to revert to HFC134a to avoid damage to your gun and I can attest that this gas works like a charm when warmed up!
Battery operated aka AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) - Either a picture or a symbol on the box will advise if battery operated and which type is used. Very popular due to low maintenance and can be found even in 10 year and older guns. Either take 4 AA Alkaline batteries or Ni-Mh (Nickel Metal Hydride) cells for the higher perfomance models. Recently a newer type of battery technology Li-po (Lithium Polymer) have started to be used as they are lighter, smaller last longer and have higher voltage and ampage, which again means less maintenance and more shooting time.
HOP-UP:
Many Airsoft guns now employ a 'Hop Up' system, and this is an aerodynamics trick which puts reverse spin on the BB pellet as it is being fired, which results in even air pressure on the top and bottom of the BB, meaning the pellet only succumbs to gravity and loss of velocity and will not prematurely drop during its flight due to air resistance. It will be clearly marked on the box if a model has Hop Up, with the more expensive models sporting adjustable hop ups for the intermediate/advanced shooter.
Pricing:
For a 10 years and older the price for Handgun and Sub Machine guns tends to hover around 2500 Yen up to 6500 Yen
For 18 years and older, gas operated, Ni-Mh, Li-Po Handguns and Sub Machine guns starts from 6500 Yen and can go all the way up to 80,000 Yen and beyond! Usually by this stage you will have owned a 10 years and older 0.12gBB model, or may have shot a few 18 years and older models at the target range and have an idea of what features you are looking for in an Airsoft gun.
My first exposure to pellet (airsoft) gun as a sport came from a friend whose dad had 'aquired' a Colt 1911 and a Walther MPL from Hong Kong, I must have been about 12 years old at the time and thought there was an element of exitement with the whole thing.
This followed through with a passion for Ninja and Commando movies and all my mates were into the same thing, and we regularly played army in the local bushland areas which were abundant in our hometown. At first it was plastic replicas or cap guns and a eh eh eh eh eh, i shot ya!
Following this we graduated onto what was known at the time as boob tubes, which is basically a pvc pipe with a finger cut off a rubber washing up glove secured with electrical tape, and we used polished pebbles commonly found in peoples driveways or front lawns in the area as the ammo, stashed in a bum bag, and used handyman goggles for eye protection from the local hardware store.
As we headed towards mid to late teens the scene started to die off as people found other interests, for myself it has always been a great source of fun and something else to do besides play video games, which funny enough paralleled what we were doing already, going bush for a tatical shoot em up.
Around this era of time alot of things which were legal became banned in Australia including Fireworks and Replica Guns, I can recall Queensland had Airsoft guns legally for a few years after New South Wales banned them and ACT had fireworks but it seems that in the light of personal injury, or hurting somebody and the Twin Tower episode western society has clamped down on everything that made the magic of being young dissapear and the wrinkles of ageing set in from that point forward.
The strange thing I have found about getting older is that I am closer to my younger days now more than ever, right down to the full set of mame 'arcade emulator' roms which i must have pumped enough 20 cent and dollar coins in as a child to pay for a deposit on a house, lest we forget Lazerzone lazer gun range and happy hour on Sunday where you paid 10 bucks and allowed unlimited credits on your favourite games!
Airsoft guns have featured in both my trips to asia and have bought a tear to my eye when i have to leave them behind due to the current laws which lucky for me are girt by sea, as for fireworks well I saw a nice set at Tokyo Disneyland and that will have to do for now, so basically it may come down to young vs old, immature vs mature or what I reckon is fun vs boredom.
So in closing i think that banning of dangerous activities should be traded for controlled environments which people can participate in safely, and when you look at it Paintball is hypocritically allowed whereas Airsoft is not, and the scar on my head comes from being shot pointblank by a Paintball gun so to all those who think Airsoft is a lame second im sure local gun club members think anything besides the real thing is second best, for me I prefer Target Shooting and whether its a Video Game a paintball a BB pellet or a real calibre round makes no difference, I do it for fun and thats what got me into the scene in the first place.
