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I'm not a fan of Mark Felton video's as they tend to be a bit 'dry', but this one made me feel pretty good about my MP5 DIY build.

The rules on allowing BFGs/IGs work on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the number of players, the balance of players on red vs blue team with grenades, specific objections or the type of game being played, etc, can see them being prohibited.

PTS EPM ? 250rd mid cap ?

In order to have the option of running sans any actual gear, I've been looking around for products to fit the above criteria and I'd like to hear folks' findings and experiences. Not looking to have a giant drum or anything and use an M4 as a machine gun/bb hose, but I usually have about 5 mid-caps on me with 120 each so looking for similar capacity but at minimal weight. Since the gun in question will also be a specific lightweight build and obviously mags are part of that. Couple of options so far as examples, plastic hi-caps are the obvious initial choice here. Trying to get that best result in terms of the ratio mentioned but also look at least fairly realistic and be built to a sufficient quality such that my ammo feeding device won't let me down (as the plan is not to be wearing a rig to carry any spares). A flash mag would be ideal too, since to my knowledge they're the fast winding hi-cap? Haven't really used one since about 2007 so again experiences and other input would be great. A couple of these linked together seem like perhaps the top option: https://www.evike.com/products/52410/ This is the best ratio of weight to capacity I've seen, but the real ones are notoriously unreliable which I think would probably carry over to an ARES product which I'd best is made of thin and flimsy plastic (but interested to hear any related experiences of course): https://www.redwolfairsoft.com/magazines-ares-aeg-ares-900rds-magazine-for-m16.html

Thank you lads. The helmet's a bit front heavy with the armour panel, but I've designed and printed one that's about half the weight that I need to paint up. Bit of a shameful self plug, but I do sell the helmet on Etsy under Thunderhead Armoury. SOEIV coming up. Parachute, a big metal bucket, and a cliff.

I'd like to make a formal-ish complaint... Austeyr has been tempting me with wooden things, I wouldn't usually mind but I've NO will power. There's a reason I'm FAT.

Now you're talking my language...

I do love the way they try and say it's used, but it's not really Used y'know. It was only one game day m8, basically fresh out the box. I didn't actually field it, I just gave it a soft lil kiss on the forehead during lunch break, no more than that I promise. No I don't have pics of the internals, why do you ask? It's lived a charmed 168 hours with me, it's been treated better than a wagyu cow.

The Helmet does look good

Been there, done that to be fair 😂

Civil Service gloves.

Anyone have the angry gun john wick kit for the MWS available?

"Buyer's remorse took a full week to set in."

"Only used for 7 days" is such a random thing to throw onto a listing 🤔

Usual thing of quoting higher UK prices for stuff that's been imported for cheaper. Side note: Zenitco foregrip on a 416 is a weird choice.

https://www.usedairsoft.co.uk/rif-s/gas-powered_1/umarex-vfc-hk416a5-v3-ral8000-gbbr-asia-edition-umarex-ghk-cerakote-glock-45-mos-extras_i85204 Helpfully put the prices up to see that its... the same as retail.

That M7S is a thing of beauty, but man I'm very envious of that Marine helmet. Looking forward to your upcoming SOEIV project

Seems like a good amount of educational value in that, as you can see things working (or not working). but as others have said. Fragile.

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Blackstone is my first choice when I get to play these days. They've never mentioned this when I've visited but they have run some games where grenades can't be used at all. However I get the impression grenade rules can change depending on how many are carrying them, for example on the 10th numbers were low and only a couple of us had them so there were no restrictions. They don't allow speed softers. Tactics such as pre firing corners, sliding along the floor and spamming the trigger will get you booted (rightly imo). I agree that it's definitely a site worth checking out if you like CQB

Thanks, I did notice this and did it the way you suggested. It took a lot of head scratching but the penny dropped though! Lol

I believe the original designer of the project is Wafzig, so he'd be the one to ask. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Hello again, I've made a fair bit of progress, so I felt I should drop an update on what I've been up to. The biggest project has been the SMG. To be seen completed (to be painted still) below, complete with functional suppressor and fairly game accurate red dot sight. The red dot is a Vector optics 1x22 V3. A very good value optic. It has an auto-off, which is great as I have a habit of killing batteries by leaving optics on... It's seen some improvements to the selector switch (new higher quality toggle switch), stock detent system, grip battery panel, and now includes a threaded barrel. The magazine was also improved (now a few mm wider to allow for extra M2 bolts which ensure no flexing apart of the two halves when using strong springs). These improvements will translate to the AEP version if I ever make another. It's also printed in a new ASA (123-3Ds brand), that I've found to be exceptionally printable in a mildly warm chamber. It's a little bit more flexible than the PLA-ST I used previously, but it's more temp resistant (fine to be left in a summer car in direct sun) and long term environmental stability (10y+). I've since acquired an Airtac tank, reg and line, along with a filter and pump. It's gruelling work (doubly so when I found the reg outlet had a leak, and I didn't turn the reg off, letting out most of the air), but tolerable. Parts were acquired for the M7, such as an FPS airsoft 185mm barrel, Lonex AUG hop chamber, XT barrel extensions, and an alu toob. Various little bits and pieces. First testing of the engine went well, though when I got it into the actual gun, ran into some consistency issues. As it turns out, stock tappet springs aren't nearly strong enough, and a stronger one had to be stolen from another replica. Unfortunately the extra strength tappet springs are ludicrously expensive for what they are. (sound warning) VID_20250703_212547966.mp4 See the basic working setup of the gun. The Seraph is a particularly unusual engine in that it requires a carriage with a tappet plate to be made. Thankfully I nailed the dimensions on the first go. See, comically large "ultra super sneaky suppressor". And torch mount with completed suppressor. The suppressor has a series of plastic rings holding some rods that keep the foam out of the path of the BB, while allowing the air to expand into the foam. I lined the inside wall of the suppressor with TPU rubber, and included some TPU cones. I'd do some testing to find what's most effective, but I'm plenty happy with it as is. I believe the extra moving parts (tappet plate) adds some unsuppressable noise. The loud crack is successfully deadened however. VID_20250726_215728216.mp4 Another improvement over the original is metal detent sockets for the foregrip. I went to the effort to add a metal plate in the stock, so I figured, why don't I have metal inserts for the foregrip also? I didn't like having metal on plastic, when I value longevity. I've also successfully managed to print polycarbonate (eSun) for the first time, so any clear parts you see are now in polycarb. This includes any high wear pieces or pieces that benefit from being stiffer, such as the feed nozzle, magazine release and hook etc, and the magazine base (which is very thin at the base, so benefits from the far better impact resistance over PETG). It's clear to allow you to see how many rounds are in the magazine (though unfortunately not while it's in the gun). The backpack is near completion, though due to life, it has sat with only spray putty, ready for more work for a time now. Padding, lid and straps are done. Hopefully soon to be completed, so I can use it to carry the HPA tank for the SMG. Buckles are 3D printed and magnetic. It's also a rather unintended design point that alice pack straps can be used if wished. I've also finished sewing the chest rig, completed some more BR-55 pouches (unfortunately run out of ranger green cordura, and now don't have enough for SMG pouches), and completed the arm panels for the pouldrons. Unfortunately ranger green cordura is shocking scarce, and the one place I can buy it, it's £30 per meter, 3 or more times the going rate for similar material. (don't know why this one is flipped, can't fix it). One small last thing, I added a USB charging board for the 3.7V battery on the helmet. Fancy! Thank you for reading. I plan to get some decent pics of me in gear soon. o/

Yesterday (16th August 2025) I visited the open day hosted at Blackstone CQB in Huntingdon. It is one of the RIFT sites, which I rate, so I had high hopes. To clarify, it is a relatively new site and the open day was all about the meet and greet, along with checking out the site and the on-site shop, White Spere Tactical. There was no game play, but the range was open for you test your kit etc. After a 2hr drive to get there, I was blown away by the level of detail (and financial investment) that had gone into the place. There was a photo board showing the progression of an empty warehouse, into a complete indoor "village" set across 2 floors. Themed areas included (but not limited to) A pub, complete with beer garden. A general store A bakery A mechanics workshop, with a car A church, with lectern and pews A prison, with cells Plus many other rooms decorated as houses. When I mentioned attention to detail, they had wall papered rooms and added decorations, wall art and fire places along with furniture. The atmospherics of the game zone were enhanced with a sound and light system that was synchronised. When the storm audio was playing, the lightening flashed and thunder crashed. The noise of the weather added to an already errie game zone. The safe zone was spacious, with plenty of seating, table real-estate and general space for even the most committed airsoft hoarder and gear junkie. It was well lit, air-conditioned and very tastefully set up. During our walk round, by buddies who I linked up with, tested movement, debated weapon choices, and how to deal with "what if" scenarios. 4 of the 5 of us have military backgrounds and 3 of the 5 have also been involved in the airsoft industry for over 30 years each. There was no obvious choke point where a player could camp and dominate except for the stairs, but the site rules (with lots of signs for the forgetful) make it quite clear the stairs are for transit and not part of the game. There is options on how to move away from the stairs too, which again limits the capacity to dominate the access / egress areas. Grenades..... lots and lots of grenades. That's the answer, right? Wrong. Site rules dictate 1 grenade, per person, per life. Depending how option you get shot, your Quake8 could last you all day. This is a deliberate rule to prevent the deepest pockets from buying the victory. The only way we saw that would give a genuine advantage to players is to be an established, slick team who work together often. But even then, that advantage is relatively small as there are multiple areas you can be engaged from at any turn. There are the corners, the windows, the rat runs and murder holes, and an almost infinite number of hiding places due to the vast array of props within the game area. Another nice touch (personal opinion) is the semi-auto only rule. Working through the site with this in the back of my head, I think I have worked out my RIF of choice: ASG / KWA MP9 GBB SMG with tracer and torch, using 0.2g ammo. I love the ergonomics of the MP9. It has a 50 round mag capacity. The noise of it up close!! It can be dark or light depending on what mood or scenario the organisers play with the lighting systems, so I'd recommend a weapon light. And tracers, well, they look cool, don't they? The 0.2g ammo may seem an odd choice, but: - No wind. - Relatively short engagement distances. - Higher muzzle velocity for the same energy out-put. Less reaction time to move out the way - and if they're tracers, they're easier to see coming. - Cheap! There is no advantage to spending extra on the heavier ammo. SMGs, short barrelled rifles and even pistols / pistol carbines will dominate in this environment. Although it's not my "thing", those speedy bois with a high-cap rifle mag hanging off the bottom of their HPA'd hi-cappa will be an absolute menace to the opposing team. The place is simply amazing and a real testament to what an airsofting family business can offer airsofters. I suspect it will take years to claw back the investment, so this is a real "by the players, for the players" labour of love and not just a cash grab. If any of the below apply to you: - Live near Leicester / Huntingdon - Don't live near, but don't mind travelling - Fancy some CQB action - Are a speedy boi - Love using GBB, but hate being outgunned by high-cap heroes - Only own 1 magazine for your RIF - Want to appreciate what a site should look like Then I thoroughly and un-reservedly recommend checking out Blackstone CQB.