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Raptor, I have a VFC 19X and tried it on some Abbey gas. It didn’t like it a bit. I run it on Nuprol Red in the cold and it works a treat. No issues with feeding or consistency. CBH

The VFC HK416a5 RAL8000 is a looker. She is a sturdy, beautiful rifle, with a magnificent build quality and an up to date set of controls. Her fit and function impressed me and most people who see her. But let’s be honest. Airsoft rifles are about gaming. About running about on the field and being used. So it was with a little trepidation mixed with excitement that I took the VFC out for its first game on Saturday. And although it was a normal Skirmish, I went full GBBR, and only took that and my GHK M18 with me and leaving the AEGs at home. Brave call? Well, after chrono I was down to the VFC on its own. As expected the GHK was too hot. I ran the VFC with 7 mags, all of which lived on my belt and plate carrier and so were exposed to the elements. This is my normal AEG load out but with mid caps rather than 30 round real caps. I sorted the hop to lift the .28s a nice reasonable distance and set in for the game, but ended up tinkering with it in game to get the best range. This was really easy to do as the hop adjustment is at the front end by the gas block. No need to strip the gun down and a massive plus. And then it was on to the game. A wise man once said, gaming with a GBBR is all about game style. Well my game style didn’t differ a great deal to be honest. I enjoy more tactical games. Creeping about, looking for weak spots and generally run my guns on semi auto anyway, so there wasn’t too much difference. I did spend the first few games expecting the gun to implode, or BBs to dribble out of its barrel, because the inter web is replete with tales of VFCs being un-game-able. Of their internals being weak and useless. But after the first game, and that constant satisfying thud the instant I pulled the trigger, the mechanical clunk as the VFC fired, I realised that I had made the right decision. Ok, if I spammed the trigger and she suddenly went empty, she wouldn’t always lock back. But in general when I fired a normal semi auto rate she locked back. And good god is she fun to shoot. Fun to manipulate. Fun to take down. Fun to clean. Yeah, my Krytac probably has a better range, and is likely more consistently accurate. But I can’t remember when I last enjoyed a game as much as Saturdays. And for me that’s why I decided to get a GBBR. Holding back floods of players with single shots. Going empty and doing a breach check to see the BCG locked back. Changing mags in a panic and hitting the bolt catch. Feeling the clunk of it all going home and being up and back in the game. This is why I love Airsoft. So, is the VFC useable in the winter. Yes, but with some caveats. Don’t expect to go full auto much, if at all. It works for a bit but isn’t consistent and sounds on the cusp of dying. The mags get cold, quick and I doubt you’d get more than one mag out of a gas fill, so I topped my mags up with gas every time I reloaded BBS. I was using Abbey Brut Sniper gas. Seemed to work ok. So all in I’m happy with the VFC. She did me proud. CBH

Been awhile since I brought anything Airsoft related but splurged out on two new GBBR platforms. I know they are both SBRs but after years of lugging round my Krytac LVOA C, I fancied something smaller. GHK MK18, (The T1, Peq and torch come from my LVOA.) And, a Umarex VFC HK416a5. In RAL 8000. And a Specter To go with it. And Peq and Inforce light set up.

Went a bit mad during a Black Friday sale and got some stuff I have been looking at for a while. 5.11 Tactical Flash Bang Pouch - Tac OD 5.11 Tactical Bungee Radio Pouch - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical Flash Bang Pouch - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier Vest - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical Double Pistol Bungee-Cover Pouch - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical Single AR Mag Bungee-Cover Mag Pouch - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical Double AR Mag Bungee-Cover Mag Pouch - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical TDU Pant Ripstop Pant - Crye MultiCam Large 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack - Sandstone 5.11 Tactical Rapid Assault Long Sleeve Shirt - TDU Green 5.11 Tactical Flag Bearer Multicam Cap - Multicam Got it as an alternative to my multicam Warrior CPC set up. Easy to carry a load. Loving the Sandstone colour. Greener than Coyote Brown and fits in with so many other colour schemes. Started using 5.11 stuff at work awhile back and although initially sceptical about all the hype I have been impressed. And if it's good enough for me in the real world I know it'll last forever in Airsoft. I'll do a review after some use. CBH

I decided to finally get a TM MK23 Socom. Been considering one for awhile and Patrol Base suddenly got some stock. Ordered Sunday night, arrived this morning. And I'm impressed. Prefers .2s over my .25s though. Extra mag (got an ASG one) as no one had any TM ones and apparently they can be a bit leaky. Head set for my coms. Some Geoff's .25 BBs to see if they are any good.

Got mine as the same deal. Some games I go to, last all morning or afternoon with no breaks and the chest rig is great for that. But for quicker games or if i'm running more of a DMR type role I like the CPC. I got the velcro mag panel so I could carry mags on the front rather than in the pouches on the side straps. The CPC is a great bit of kit and not as cumbersome as some other plate carriers. CBH

Are they any good? I airsoft with my daughter and as an under 18 she can't use Pyro. But gas powered grenades are ok for her to use. I've just never really seen one in the flesh. CBH

Got some bits in sales, all ordered late Sunday, both arived Wednesday. From UK Tactical a triple velcro 5.56mm mag pouch for my Warrior CPC so I can run it without the Pathfinder Chest Rig for quick games. Warrior PLB to replace my first molle belt from Kombat. Buy cheap buy twice! A single Warrior M4 elastic mag. I have two of these on the Pathfinder and they are really good. This one is for my PLB as I run one M4 mag on my belt for quick changes. As ever, the Warrior kit is well made and fairly priced. From Military 1st Pentagon BDU 2.0 Pants to replace my tattered Jack Pyke Beaters trousers. Condor BDU belt Helikon Delta jacket. Really impressed with this. Great bargain for the price. So much so I may get another. All good kit, again well priced. I'll review the kit after my next game. CBH

VisionKing short dot scope (£68.99) and mount (£15.99) Both off ebay from different UK sellers. And both arrived in 2 days. And both are very very good!

I have a mahoosive head too (up to 62cm!!!) and have problems with helmets both for work and airsoft. I brought an FMA fast helmet which fits perfectly. I took out some of the padding and introduced some of the additional stuff they sent. Plus the helmet is good quality. Im off today so will throw up a review separately later. Cheers CBH

They are beautiful to hold and game with. Rock solid feel and great out of the box performance. Is that wolf grey or FG? Difficult to see in pic.

Ordered it yesterday from Pro Airsoft Supplies as they had just received them yesterday morning. Apparently they got 5 of the 10 that Krytac sent to the UK! As of about 2pm yesterday mine was the first they had sold. Should be with me tomorrow. Never dealt with Pro Airsoft before but they seemed nice enough on the phone. I like the look of the LVOA but the grey didn't really do it for me. FG on the other hand will do me nice. CBH

Krytac LVOA in Foliage Green. Just couldn't resist!