AirsoftPope

Manufacturer: Javelin Airsoft Works
Package: Javelin Airsoft Works AK74 EBB, manual, 1 x 500rd Hi-Cap magazine, 2 x Javelin Airsoft patches.
Type: AEG
Velocity: Average 415fps with 0.20g BBs
Rating: 5/5

Much like with the M4, the airsoft market has been flooded in recent years with forgettable AK variants en mass. I planted my AK flag in Classic Army’s yard when they first debuted their AK line and never really looked back. That is until a friend turned me on to a relative new-comer to the AEG game, Javelin Airsoft Works. I knew Javelin made BBs as far back as 2009, but I thought that was it. Turns out they have been producing AEGs as far back as early 2010! Seeing as I was pretty much on airsoft-hiatus during 2010, no wonder I didn’t recognize the name.

Regardless, I was looking for another AK to beef up my armory and decided to give the Javelin AK74 EBB a shot. Retailing for $230 USD from Airsoft Extreme, the box came packed with a 500rd Hi-Cap, manual and to my surprise, two Javelin patches (I’m kind of a patch nerd).

The AK74 is full metal and wood construction with very few but appropriate plastic pieces. The pistol grip is made from a high grade polymer which is textured on the sides. My stock was loose and had quite a bit of play right out of the box. I went over the entire gun and torqued down the random loose screws, a few more than I would expect on a factory-fresh AEG.

I ordered an 8.4v 1400 stick batter but sadly it just wasn’t enough to cycle the gun. Replacing it with a 9.6v battery was the trick, bringing the ’74 to vicious life. Semi-auto was crisp and responsive. Full-auto is where the EBB really came into it’s own. Everyone I handed the AK74 to was impressed with it’s weight and construction. They became sold when they flipped the safety to full-auto and rattled off a few rounds down-range. The EBB gives and ever-so-slight kick and mechanical noise that you just don’t find in standard AEGs. EBB makes the rifle feel more ‘wild’ and ‘dangerous’ for no other reason than the clacking sounds three inches from your face.

My AK74 averaged 415fps with G&G Bio 0.2g weight BBs, placing it in that sweet spot of not needed to upgrade to make it field ready. The hop-up is average, holding the settings placed and making long shots a breeze. The battery needed a little ‘encouragement’ to fit, but nothing too scarey in the process.

Unlike most of my new guns, I wasn’t too ginger with the AK74 EBB. After all, it’s built like a tank and bench testing had shown that this AEG needed a bigger venue than just a local pick-up game to prove it’s salt. I rocked the ’74 as my primary weapon at OLCMSS’s 3-day airsoft event Op: Lightning Strike II at Ft. Drum on August 3rd 2011. As you may or may not know, airsoft Op’s eat AEGs alive so I figured what better trial scenario. Over the weekend, I shot nearly 8,000 rounds which sounds a bit excessive… but at 200 players vs 12 of us staff, seems a bit more reasonable. Not once the AK74 fail me. Not a single jam, misfire or hiccup to mention. Simply awesome.

In conclusion, I have to say I’m in awe of the Javelin AK74 EBB. In all honesty, I didn’t have much faith in it when I first opened the box and still brought my venerable CA SLR-105 as a back-up for when (not if) the Javelin failed. The Javelin made a believer out of me, putting to rest my belief that quality guns have to cost over $400 USD. While there are a few random con’s (loose screws, plastic flash suppressor, 9.6v battery requirement) that are easily overcome, this AEG definitely has a permanent home in my arsenal.

Manufacturer: Airsoft Innovations
Package: 1x AI Gas Can, 1x Bottle GBB Oil, 1x Propane adapter + cap + duster adapter, Manual.
Type: Accessory
Rating: 5/5

AI: GasCan

I have never have been much for gas guns, mostly because of the weight of the mags or portability of green gas containers. In fact, it would be safe to say that outside of 40mm grenades… I hated gas devices. When Orca approached me, touting that the new AI GasCan will make me fall in love with gas guns all over again, I literally laughed in his face. There is no way this little accessory will convert me, I thought. I stand before you today a changed man.

GasCan + accessories in the package

The AI GasCan is basically a reusable aluminum gas storage tank for Green, Duster and Propane gas. It is slightly larger than a 40mm 168rd shower shell and weighs next to nothing with a retail price tag of approximately $40 USD. Two can fit in a double M4 mag pouch and with that kind of portability, what’s not to like?

Operation of the GasCan is pretty simple and AI does an amazing job (as in all their manuals) on how to use it. So much so that instead of having me butcher the instructions, I’ll just post that portion of the instruction manual. It’s not that I’m THAT lazy, but why mess with what honestly works?

GasCan user manual

My favorite feature of the GasCan is the hassle-free oiling of my magazines/grenades. Basically all you have to do is add GBB oil or Tornado oil into the GasCan and gas up accordingly. No more adding oil between the propane adapter and propane bottle! I’ll be honest.. I have terrible aim and constantly lubed the outside of my propane bottle on almost every refill. AI went one step further and actually had the foresight to put checkboxes on the side of the GasCan, allowing the user to mark what this particular can is used for, preventing any possible cross contamination. I think I will still used colored tape for fast recognition, but still, very thoughtful on their part.

On a side note, when my GasCan arrived via USPS the fill nozzle would vent any gas put in immediately. I went to Airsoft Innovations’ website and submitted a tech request. They had a new cap out to me with nothing out of pocket. Amazing customer service. Here’s how the replacement cap packaged arrived from USPS. Amazingly no damage was done and my GasCan is back to 100% operational status.

The AI GasCan is beautiful in it’s sheer simplicity and honestly is one of the most useful airsoft accessories on the market today. From the range of devices it can be used with, any role in airsoft will benefit from this accessory. I love the GasCan so much, I bought a second one. Seriously.

Manufacturer: KWA
Package: KMP9, manual, 1 x 48rd magazine, silicon oil, hopup adjustment tool.
Type: GBB SMG
Velocity: Average 387fps with Propane @ 67F
Retail Price: $220 USD
Rating: 5/5

Being a long time KWA fan and owning a number of their GBB pistols, I knew the KMP9 would be amazing… I just didn’t know it would be this amazing.

I received the KMP9 from my good friends over at Airsoft Extreme, courtesy of SoCal Airsoft League. Out of the box, the ergonomics when holding the KMP9 with the stock folded is what stood out most. Very natural and very comfortable. Racking the charging handle gave a very satisfying clack and firing from the closed bolt position gave me hope that foreign object obstruction would die with the venerable MAC11A1 series.

Performance is where the KMP comes into it’s own. While designed to be a CQB monster, the KMP9′s high velocity and outstanding hop up make this little SMG a field worthy weapon. My tests did not fare well with .20g bbs as the flight pattern appeared to be all over the place. When I stepped it up to a .25g bb, the KMP9 began to shine. I was hitting a man-sized object at 100ft with minimal hop up with absolutely no problem. With the FPS being so high on propane (average 387 w/0.20g bbs) you may run into problems when deploying in a CQB environment, but for field play, it’s a blessing. KWA does offer a Low Power Bolt for the KMP9 which will reduce the velocity by 50-70fps, making the KMP9 much more CQB friendly. Also be aware that the noise made when firing will turn heads on the field, and brown the shorts of the opposing team!

KWA hit a home run with this little monster SMG! So much so that I acquired 3 more magazines and run it as my secondary whenever possible. Definitely recommended for all those looking to get into the GBB SMG scene.

Manufacturer: Airsoft Innovations
Package: 1x Burst Ring, 50x Burst Discs, Manual.
Type: Grenade Add-on
Retail Price: $14.95 USD
Rating: 5/5

By now you probably already know all about the Airsoft Innovations Tornado grenade and it’s bb-throwing sphere of doom, but did you know that it can be converted to a Flash-bang devices too? I sure didn’t. While gearing up for a local game, I contacted Orca from ORCA Industries to see if he could set me up with a 12-pack of Thunder-B grenades. Orca earlier had sold me on a few AI Impact and Timer grenades just a few weeks earlier, and suggested I give the AI Distraction Kit (AI:DK for short) a shot, siting the close performance and economical side of the AI:DK over the Thunder-B’s. My wallet rejoiced and $14.95 + shipping later, I had the AI:DK in-hand.

I have been using Thunder-B’s for a while now, being very satisfied with both the cost and overall performance. My only real gripe was been carrying around extra 12g CO2 cartridges and the bulky shells, but I was glad to hump it as an effective sound-grenade was, at the time, hard to come by. Even with the Tornado’s in-hand, I still carried a few Thunder-B’s. With the distraction kit, my Tornado is now a multi-role monster! Now I carry 1 Tornado armed with BBs and a second Tornado armed with the Distraction Kit, supplying me with enough boom to get any job done.

To install the distraction Kit, first remove the valve cover from the bottom of the Tornado. Remove the over-pressure plug from the valve cover by applying pressure with your thumb. Be sure to keep the plug as you will need it to restore your Tornado to BB-throwing operation. I ended up getting a spare valve cover just for AI:DK use.

Next, insert the Burst Ring into the bottom of the grenade. The o-ring should be facing towards the valve cover. You should be able to clearly see o-ring now. Press on the Burst Ring to ensure it is securely in the valve cover body.

Back to the valve cover… clean the inside of the valve cover, removing any dirt, oil or debris. This is critical for making a tight seal with the Burst Disc. Apply the Burst Disc, sticky side down (duh) to the inside of the valve cover. Be sure to press all the bubbles out of the Burst Disc, ensuring a solid seal.

Replace the valve cover and you’re done. Gas up and give it a whirl. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but trust me it’s easier than it sounds.

Note: DO NOT LOAD BBs

According to AI, the AI:DK registers in at 119db @ 3ft. I have no way of measuring but needless to say, my ears were ringing after the first test-fire in my closed garage. While I don’t feel the AI:DK is as loud as the Thunder-B, the difference is negligible and you will probably won’t notice.

Now here’s the best part, the cost. The AI:DK cost $14.95 USD and comes with 50 Burst Discs. That’s 50 uses before you need to think about buying more. Even better, 50 Burst Discs from AI costs.. $4.95 USD. Can’t beat that. Overall, best $15 bucks I’ve spent in a very long time. I would highly recommend the AI:DK to any and all Tornado owners out there.

Manufacturer: Airsoft Innovations
Package: Tornado Impact Grenade, manual, 1 x bottle of grenade oil.
Type: Grenade
Retail Price: $99 USD
Rating: 5/5

Airsoft Innovations, the company that (in my opinion) finally got the non-pyrotechnic airsoft grenade right, recently pushed out a new version of their venerable Tornado Grenade coined the “impact” grenade. The impact version is “detonated” at the point of impact, doing away with the timer system of the original version. The advantages of the impact version make it a must-have for a grenade/kaboom junkie like me, namely the booby-trap and not having to deal with finicky timer issues.

Like the timer version, the impact version is larger than a dummy frag grenade but a tad smaller than an smoke grenade. Most standard smoke/flashbang pouches will accommodate the impact grenade, even with the vertical pin position. I use Bulle smoke grenade pouches on my molle rigs which keeps the grenade snug and safe from snags. The valve cover safety and durable polymer coating are where the similarities between the two grenades stop.

The firing mechanism on the timer is a set of steel stems and discs that are aligned vertically via the pin and when under pressure, are held firmly in place between the shuttle body and cap. It sounds complicated, but in reality, it’s quite simple. Initially I thought it would be a fragile, easily detonated device, but despite my best effort to shake the crap out of it… the grenade stayed in the armed position. The cool part is dropping it only one foot will set it off. This translates into my having to have better aim and NOT knock the edge of a wall/door when tossing it into a room. Yea, that’s experience talking. Unlike the timer, the impact grenade is unforgiving and will detonate on hard surface despite my best intentions! With the timer, I can let it ricochet and not be as mindful of the impact location. This is probably the only real downside to the impact grenade, and it’s 100% user error.

To arm the impact grenade, follow the below steps:

1) Unscrew the valve cover.
2) Unscrew the top cap.
3) Insert the pin.
4) Stack the stems & cams in this order:
– Big stem
– Offset disc
– Slide disc
– Small stem
5) Align top cap so that the pin fits into the hole in the shuttle & screw on the top cap.
6) Fill with propane.
7) Fill with BBs.
8 ) Screw on the valve cover.

In conclusion, the AI Impact Tornado is by far my favorite bb-throwing airsoft grenade to date. It’s simple, robust and extremely effective. Even if you already have a timer grenade, I would still suggest picking up the impact model as it’s above mentioned characteristics come in quite handy. The impact model retails for around $99 USD at most major airsoft dealers, I picked up mine from Airsoft Extreme.